1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today
  4. »Reminder: 'Political thought in The Remnant Trust' lecture today

K-State Today

November 2, 2016

Reminder: 'Political thought in The Remnant Trust' lecture today

Submitted by Darchelle Martin

Remnant Trust Logo

Three K-State faculty members will discuss the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, Thomas Paine, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels from 4-5 p.m. Nov. 2 in Hale Library's Hemisphere Room. 

Following the lecture, guests can visit "Wisdom of the Ages," an exhibit on the second floor of Hale Library featuring materials from these authors. Docents will be available for guests to handle materials out of their cases.

Jon Mahoney, associate professor of philosophy, will examine how Hobbes answers the question of why it is rational to give up natural freedom in exchange for living under a powerful state. Hobbes makes these arguments in "Leviathan" first published in 1651. A first edition is located in the exhibit.

Also in the exhibit are first editions of Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man," parts 1 and 2 published in 1792. Mark Crosby, assistant professor of English, will review Paine's radical attack on the establishment in "Rights of Man," asserting that Britain did not enjoy a perfectly designed and balanced constitution, but rather had no constitution at all.

And finally, Chris Remple, instructor of English, will discuss the "Communist Manifesto's" historical context and the evolution of the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. An 1848 second edition of the "Communist Manifesto" is displayed in the exhibit. It is one of eight known copies.

The exhibit is on loan from the Remnant Trust, a public educational foundation. The Remnant Trust shares its growing collection on the topics of individual liberty and human dignity through traveling exhibits. "Wisdom of the Ages" will be available on the second floor of Hale Library through Dec. 16. To see a full list of items in the exhibit visit lib.ksu.edu/events.

K-State librarians are on hand from 11 a.m. to noon and 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, to assist visitors who would like the unique opportunity to handle and read the books. Additionally, teachers and community groups who would like to bring a class to "Wisdom of the Ages" are welcome to make an appointment with a librarian by emailing libexhibits@k-state.edu.  

Librarians also will be available to assist the public from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, for a special community day.

"Wisdom of the Ages" is made possible by the K-State Office of the President.