Political Dialogue. The Essential Themes and Dilemmas of Political Philosophy — in English

A course by Sven Gerst • 14.11–12.12 • Admissions Open
Language we speak shapes reality — and reality has changed significantly for many. At a time of war when one struggles with finding one’s ground anew and has to redefine the relationships with others it helps to speak the same language – literally and in terms of those values and ideas we share. So, why not combine an English-language course with the most essential themes and dilemmas of political thought?  

Each week, we’ll dive into a core concept in political philosophy — from the intricacies of liberty to the dynamics of state power — and practice articulating these complex ideas in English. As you can see, this isn’t your typical language course. That’s why your instructor isn’t a linguist or even a native speaker but instead a practicing philosopher. Rather than focusing on grammar drills and vocabulary lists, this course provides a unique space to explore complex philosophical topics in a foreign language.

Your Tutor

“I’m doing philosophy for a living—despite all the well-meaning warnings. I have taught various courses in philosophy, politics, and economics, facilitated civic education all around the world, and hosted many online discussion formats and book clubs. This course is a journey through the ABC of political philosophy, where the conversation is just as important as the language you use to shape it”.

Sven Gerst
Sven Gerst is a Philosopher and a Political Economist with an interdisciplinary background in philosophy, politics, and economics.

He holds advanced degrees from King’s College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the University of Mannheim and has previously studied and worked at Harvard University, Duke University, St. Petersburg State University, and National Taiwan University

Program

14.11
Freedom or Liberty?
17:00—18:30 CET
We’ll explore the many meanings of freedom. What does it mean to be free? What’s the difference between freedom and liberty? And how does it translate across languages and political systems?
21.11
The Shades of Equality
17:00—18:30 CET
Equality comes in many forms. We’ll discuss its various dimensions, from equality of opportunity to equality of outcome, and tackle the language of fairness.
28.11
The Theories of Justice
17:00—18:30 CET
What makes a society just? We’ll look at different theories of justice, discuss patterns and distributions, and explore how these frameworks shape our understanding of fairness. Together, we’ll ponder questions of rights, responsibilities, and what it truly means to create a just society.
05.12
Power Plays
17:00—18:30 CET
What is power, really? We’ll unpack the complex dynamics of power — who holds it, how it’s used, and what it means to influence and be influenced. And surely, you will hear about Foucault.
12.12
Leviathan & the State
17:00—18:30 CET
What role does the state play in our lives? From Hobbes’s Leviathan to modern theories of governance, we’ll explore how the concept of “the state” has evolved and why it matters. Is the state here to protect, to control, or something in between?

How the Program Works

Education at Bazaleti Uni is free, but to become a student, candidates must pass a competitive selection process: writing an essay on a given topic and submitting it along with a motivational video.

Bazaleti Uni is not lecture-centric; classes include interactive learning formats (discussions, games, debates) and require active student participation, which is why each course accepts no more than 40 students.

Classes are conducted online via Zoom. Each session lasts two hours (unless otherwise specified). Once you pass the admissions process, you will receive all the necessary instructions and links. Don’t forget to make sure that your computer or tablet has a working camera and microphone.


Учеба в Bazaleti Uni бесплатна, но чтобы стать его студентом, необходимо пройти конкурсный отбор — написать эссе на заданную тему и прислать его вместе с мотивационным видео