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Christendom: The Oracle of the Enlightenment – Montesquieu
October 7, 2022
On October 7, 2022, the Tocqueville Forum at Christendom College will be hosting a lecture and seminar on Montesquieu with Professor Khalil Habib (Hillsdale College):
Dr. Habib will deliver a public lecture then lead a small seminar discussion with a group of select students. His overall topic is Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws–one of the major influences on political thought (and America), but also one of the more neglected texts in political philosophy. The lecture builds off of his book project on Machiavelli, Montesquieu, and how their modern, liberal, and commercial approach to politics forced us to rethink Roman Republicanism. The topic is timely in its focus on modernity, liberal institutional frameworks, and trade/commerce, and bears on the American Founding. Not only was Montesquieu the most-quoted political thinker at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, but, indirectly, the Federalists and Anti-Federalists who adopted Roman pseudonyms (Publius, Cato, Brutus, etc.) drew on Montesquieu’s understanding of the Roman Republic and its virtues.
Friday, October 7, 2022
Christendom College
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Khalil Habib is an Associate Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship. His two main areas of interest are the history of political philosophy (broadly construed) and philosophical literature. He is interested in ancient and modern theories of republicanism and government, and how philosophical writers such as Shakespeare present politics and statesmanship. In addition to editing several books, Professor Habib has contributed to publications including Political Science Reviewer and International Journal of the Humanities.
Learn more about Khalil Habib >>
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