0140 Well, “intoxicating” is not the only term that may be applied to A Primer on Classical Political Philosophy.

Another phrase is sobering.  It says, “The sovereign will not be denied.”

The classical philosopher replies, “The glitter of your crown pales in comparison to the constellation of virtues shining above your head.” 

Is that reply philosophy?  Or poetry?

0141 The tenth primer returns to a world where the suprasovereign level of the society tier is occluded.

0142 Classical political philosophers are always caught in the middle.

The middle of what?

The middle of two opposing factions.

0143 What happens when a suprasovereign religion_3cC harbors the single point of agreement between two opposing factions_2cC?

For classical philosophers, the object that brings all into relation_2cC consists of a constellation of virtues_2cC.

For opposing factions in a divided society, the object that brings all into relation_2cC brings everyone into conflict.  After all, what is everyone fighting over?  No one can say?  Well, perhaps, the single point of agreement is that the other party is wrong.

0144 There are no grounds for reconciliation.  So, each contesting party_3aC demands sovereign power_3bC in order to achieve its organizational objectives_2aC, which is based on the conviction that the other party is wrong_1aC.

Of course, two movements at each other’s throats_2aC gives the sovereign_3bC plenty of room for asserting legal authority_2bC.

0145 Here is a picture.

The sovereign_3bC is in charge of maintaining order_1bC.

But, sovereign acts and decrees_2bC merely maintain the fight between competing institutions_3aC.

The sovereign gains more and more authority by satisfying no one.

0146 Indeed, a sovereign_3bC capable of accommodating two opposing camps, keeping the conflict roaring, does not need to look up and see a constellation of virtues in the heavens above.  Rather, accommodation encourages a lack of virtue among the opposing factions_3aC.  The two antagonistic righteousnesses_1aC may boil over into chaos_1bC.

0147 Oh, chaos_1bC increases the demand for sovereign power_3bC.

So, sovereign power_3bC stokes the flames without realizing that chaos_1bC can also destroy the reigning order_1bC.

0155 In the movie business, the previous blogs would be called “trailers” or “teasers”.

They assure the reticent adult that the material of the course is not only interesting, but also accessible.  There are no trained instructors in this field of inquiry.  There are only fellow travelers.  Or, maybe, I should say, there are adults who may be motivated to serve as fellow travelers for their children and other students.

0156 Now, I want to get technical.

Suppose that you walk with your students.

At what pace?

For middle-school students, maybe 20 points in an hour.

For high-school students, around 30 points in an hour.

For college students, say, 40 points an hour.

How long would the course take?

0157 Here is the breakdown for the first five primers.

0158 Here is the breakdown for the second five primers.

0159 Here is the breakdown for the masterwork.

0160 Here is the summary.