In recent days, weeks, months, and years we have observed crises in Leadership in many dimensions of society, particularly political and economic. The fiscal crisis that became apparent in October, 2008 generated many serious reflections on the Leadership values and skills of many of the Leaders of our governmental and financial organizations. The recent failures of Leadership coupled with the dawn of a new Presidency in January, 2009 have generated serious reflection on the qualities that a Leader should possess.

This course will take advantage of this new sensitivity to the foundations of Leadership to reflect on the foundations of political leadership, which will generate renewed insight into the way truly moral Leadership should function. To engage in this task effectively, we will examine the political and ethical theories of historical giants in the development of the contexts in which Leadership is practiced. We will also look to the example of recognized political leaders in the past who have demonstrated the excellence in value commitments, and virtues flowing from those values, that we have presumed to animate those who would aspire to Leadership positions.

The on-line approach to this course can provide added incentives for your enrollment. In addition to meeting the need for ethical reflection on the Leadership dynamics of human communities, it has been designed to meet the goals of General Education at the University of Dayton. One of the major advantages of doing this course on-line is the flexibility in schedules that it allows. Many students, who wish to take this course,  have a variety of obligations that make classroom courses difficult to meet in a busy schedule, particularly in the summer months --- work obligations, travel demands, family involvement, vacation opportunities, etc.

So, review this course website and consider enrolling in PHL 370 - Political Philosophy: Ethical Values and Challenges to Leadership in Politics and Public Service. I have been teaching on-line courses for about 7 years. Previous students who have taken my on-line courses have been very pleased with them.