Liberalism

Catalog description

Liberalism is a political theory about the limitation of state power based on basic constitutional rights. These institutional mechanisms have been justified on a liberal philosophical outlook. This course examines the central values of the liberal worldview including freedom, equality, toleration, individualism, secularism, pluralism, constitutionalism and the public and private divide. The course offers a philosophical analysis of the main tenets of liberalism as well as critical and competing interpretations of each of the liberal values examined. The purpose of this philosophical and conceptual exploration is to understand the justificatory basis of liberalism and eventually assess its achievements and limitations.