PHIL317

Contemporary Political Philosophy

30 points

Not offered 2025, offered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

For further information see Humanities

Description

The study of politics focuses not only on how the political world operates, but also the normative question of how it ought to operate. Is redistribution of wealth justified? Do people have a right to what they earn in the market? Is equality of opportunity possible? Is it desirable? This course examines theories of distributive justice and their implications for economics and markets. Topics covered include: Utilitarianism; Rawls’s theory of justice; Dworkin’s equality of resources; Libertarianism; Universal basic income; Market socialism; Citizenship; and culture and politics.

Prerequisites

PHIL236 or POLS201 or PHIL239 or B average in 45 points above 100 level in relevant subjects (e.g. PHIL, POLS, ECON, MSCI, LAWS, or
SOCI) with approval of the Head of Department

Restrictions

POLS301, POLS351

Equivalent Courses

POLS351, POLS301