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Paul Franco
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Paul N. Franco is a prominent academic serving as the Barry N. Wish Professor of Government and Social Studies at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Born in 1956, he has established himself as a leading authority on the British political philosopher Michael Oakeshott and specializes in the history of political philosophy and contemporary political theory.
Education and Academic Background
Franco's educational journey includes:
- B.A. from Colorado College, where he studied under Timothy Fuller, an Oakeshott scholar.
- M.Sc. from the London School of Economics, where he was influenced directly by Oakeshott.
- Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, advised by Joseph Cropsey, a notable figure associated with Leo Strauss.
Before his tenure at Bowdoin, Franco was a William Rainey Harper Fellow at the University of Chicago.
Research and Publications
Franco is known for his significant contributions to political philosophy through both his teaching and publications. His notable works include:
- The Political Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott (1990)
- Hegel's Philosophy of Freedom (1999)
- Michael Oakeshott: An Introduction (2004)
- Nietzsche’s Enlightenment: The Free-Spirit Trilogy of the Middle Period (2011)
- Rousseau, Nietzsche, and the Image of the Human (2021)
He has also co-edited several volumes and published articles in esteemed journals such as The American Political Science Review and Political Theory.
Teaching
At Bowdoin College, Franco teaches courses that delve into modern political philosophy and the interplay between historical and contemporary political thought. His approach often seeks to reconcile different philosophical traditions, notably between Oakeshott's concept of societas (a community of individuals) and universitas (a collective political order) .123
Franco's work continues to influence discussions on political theory, particularly regarding enlightenment philosophies and their relevance today.
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