This course examines ancient Greek political thought, with a particular focus on the emergence and development of the concept of a mixed constitution, which significantly influenced later political thought and formed the basis of the modern concept of constitutional democracy. Through careful reading and discussion of key texts, students will examine how Greek thinkers—particularly Plato, Aristotle, and Polybius—understood the ideal political order as one that harmoniously combines elements of democracy with other political systems. The aim of the course is to trace how this idea of political balance arose from broader Greek concepts of mixture, balance, and due measure. Special attention will be paid to the possible medical roots of this theory, specifically the analogy between a well-ordered state and a healthy body in balance between opposing forces.
Last update: Horáčková Karolína, Bc. (01.12.2025)
This course examines ancient Greek political thought, with a particular focus on the emergence and development of the concept of a mixed constitution, which significantly influenced later political thought and formed the basis of the modern concept of constitutional democracy. Through careful reading and discussion of key texts, students will examine how Greek thinkers—particularly Plato, Aristotle, and Polybius—understood the ideal political order as one that harmoniously combines elements of democracy with other political systems. The aim of the course is to trace how this idea of political balance arose from broader Greek concepts of mixture, balance, and due measure. Special attention will be paid to the possible medical roots of this theory, specifically the analogy between a well-ordered state and a healthy body in balance between opposing forces.
