Interest and Public Good in Western Thought

Professor Introduction

C. D | Ph.D. in Philosophy

Home Institute：University of Bristol

Project Description

This course aims to explore the evolution of attitudes towards self-interest and public good in Western political thought. While classical philosophies such as Greek philosophy and classical republicanism viewed self-interest as a form of corruption detrimental to public welfare, many modern thinkers have reinterpreted self-interest as a potential driver of universal benefits. This project will focus on the works of key figures such as Adam Smith, Bernard Mandeville, and Montesquieu, examining how their ideas contribute to a new order where self-interest can promote public good, improve domestic politics, and foster international peace and interdependence.

Project Keywords

Project Outline

Part 1: Introduction to Self-Interest and Public Good
• Overview of fundamental concepts in self-interest and public good.
• Historical context of attitudes towards self-interest in classical and modern Western thought.
• Applications and relevance to current political and philosophical research.

Part 2: Theoretical Frameworks
• Exploration of theories related to self-interest and public good in classical and modern Western thought.
• Examination of key philosophical and political principles (e.g., virtue ethics, utilitarianism).
• Discussion on the role of self-interest in enhancing public welfare.

Part 3:  Literature Review
• In-depth reading and analysis of existing literature on self-interest and public good.
• Identification of major viewpoints and debates in current research.
• Discussion on research gaps and the significance of this study.

Part 4:  Research Methods
• Introduction to qualitative and historical research methods used in philosophy and political science.
• Techniques for textual analysis, comparative analysis, and critical interpretation.
• Practical exercises to develop research skills.

Part 5:  Adam Smith's Perspective
• Detailed exploration of Adam Smith's views on self-interest and public good.
• Examination of key works such as "The Wealth of Nations" and "The Theory of Moral Sentiments".
• Analysis of Smith's arguments and their implications for modern political thought.

Part 6:  Bernard Mandeville's Perspective
• Analysis of Bernard Mandeville's views on self-interest and public good.
• Examination of key works such as "The Fable of the Bees".
• Discussion on Mandeville's provocative arguments and their impact on later thinkers.

Part 7: Montesquieu's Perspective
• Exploration of Montesquieu's views on self-interest and public good.
• Examination of key works such as "The Spirit of the Laws".
• Analysis of Montesquieu's ideas and their influence on political theory.

Part 8: Comparative Analysis
• Comparative analysis of the views of Smith, Mandeville, and Montesquieu.
• Identification of similarities and differences in their approaches to self-interest and public good.
• Discussion on the evolution of these ideas in modern political thought.

Part 9:  Empirical Results and Discussion
• Presentation and interpretation of research findings.
• Discussion of the significance and impact of findings.
• Identification of research limitations and suggestions for improvement.

Part 10:  Ethical and Practical Implications
• Exploration of ethical and practical implications of self-interest in contemporary politics.
• Discussion on the role of self-interest in policy-making and governance.
• Practical suggestions for balancing self-interest and public good.

Part 11: Future Research Directions
• Discussion of current trends and challenges in the study of self-interest and public good.
• Identification of open problems and future research directions.
• Encouragement for student-led research projects.

Part 12: Conclusion and Summary
• Summary of the main findings and conclusions.
• Discussion of contributions to philosophy and political science.
• Recommendations for future research and practice.

Part 13: Research Paper and Presentation
• Guidance on writing a well-structured research paper.
• Tips for effective academic writing.
• Instructions on preparing and delivering an engaging oral presentation.

Suitable for

High School Students:  
• Interested in philosophy and political science, preparing for advanced studies or competitions.
• Basic knowledge of Western political thought and philosophical principles.

University Students:
• Majoring in philosophy, political science, or related fields, seeking to deepen understanding and engage in research.
• Familiar with basic theories of political thought and historical context.