Social and Political Philosophy

Catalog description

What is the function of a state, and from where does its legitimacy derive? Why should human beings like us participate in and accede to political arrangements, especially when this may involve deliberately relinquishing power and curbing self-interest? Are some political arrangements legitimate while others are not? Why? What are the principles underlying a just state or social arrangement? In this course, students will explore these and other fundamental questions in social and political philosophy by charting certain key moments in its history. While much of this philosophical tradition addresses what a just society or state would resemble under ideal conditions, much contemporary work has turned to the question of what actions are warranted under non-ideal conditions of social or political injustice. Students will consider both approaches to social and political philosophy. Major elements of this course include close and critical reading of challenging philosophical texts, reconstruction and evaluation of philosophical arguments, and independent reflection and reasoning on topics and positions within social and political philosophy.