History of ideas: the concept of freedom

What is the course about?

The course proposes a critical introduction to western conceptions of freedom from the early modern period (17th and 18th century) to the present day. The aim will be to develop a critical understanding of various historical conceptions of freedom and liberty – as their arose in western philosophy and political thought – how some conceptions became dominant, thereby powerfully shaping the way we come to understand and engage with society and each other.

What will we cover?

• social contract theory and early modern conceptions of freedom.
• negative and positive liberty from Hobbes to Rousseau.
• The republican tradition on freedom.
• freedom as an ideal (the problem of ideology)
• freedom and security: a counter-history of liberal freedom. For a glimpse of this topic, have a look at this paper.

And for some podcast listening: this episode. of Talking Politics focuses on Rousseau's writings on inequality. 

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Get a good critical understanding of the intellectual history of the concept of freedom in western political thought.
• Better understand what social contract theory is and how it is tied to western conceptions of freedom.
• Get a good introductory grasp of Hobbes’ and Rousseau’s conceptions of freedom (liberty).
• Understand the difference between positive and negative freedom as conceived in liberal thought.
• Understand the link between the concept of freedom and security in liberal thought.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is designed to accommodate various levels but a willingness to critically engage with concepts in political theory/ political philosophy is required. You will also be required to engage with some reading material in this field. You will be invited to read the material slowly and carefully ahead of each session to facilitate active, critical engagement with your peers in class. Pedagogical advice, support and guidance will be provided to help you with this.

An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to views with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Each session will include an interactive lecture and discussion. The lecture will introduce you to the week's topic and help you get to grips with the reading material and the concepts and ideas you will encounter. The discussion seminar in the second half of the session will  prompt you to think, individually and in groups, about key problems linked to the topic.  Reading material will be provided ahead of each session, along with suggested further reading. 

Denis Bosseau (PhD) is an experience lecturer and seminar leader in the humanities, specialising in Modern European Philosophy (i.e., Modernity, Nietzsche, Existentialism, Marxism), and Socio-political Theory (e.g. Theories of Democracy and Democratic Practice; Socialism and Revolutionary Theory and Practice; Philosophical approaches to the concepts of emancipation, freedom, resistance and power). His research currently focuses on contemporary debates in the radical left surrounding the heritage of Leninism and its potential relevance today in the light the recent cycles of social movements and struggles. His research also touches on the relationship between Philosophy and Art, and debates surrounding the idea of ‘Engaged Literature’. Prior to joining CityLit in 2025, Denis held various teaching positions at the University of Sussex, Birkbeck College (University of London) and the University of Brighton.

Courses offered in 2025/26: Surveillance & Society: a critical introduction (Autumn); History of ideas: the concept of freedom (Winter); Abolition Democracy: from the Black Panthers to Black Lives Matter (Summer).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No extra cost. All you need to bring is a pen and some paper to write/ take notes on if you wish.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may be interested in Denis's next course, History of ideas: abolition democracy - from the Black Panthers to Black Lives Matter, which begins in June 2026.