In the Winter semestr 2015/16 the course is focused on Bernard Mandeville´s theory of passion, moral institutions and the origin of civil society, particularly on his Hobbism as exposed in the part one of the Fable of the Bees. The summer semester is designed to discuss arguments for a radical change of his position from Hobbism of the first part (1714) of the Fable of the bees to a new theory outlined in the second part (1729). Principal reading is Tolonen´s monograph and the 6th Dialogue (Fable, Part 2).
Students are expected to submitt a 2000 words (semestral) essay. The word count should include all footnotes, endnotes, and quotations but should exclude the bibliography. Please include the word count on the title page of your coursework.