Topics in Social and Political Philosophy (361-0-20)
Topic
Rawls and his Critics
Instructors
Chad Horne
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
John Rawls was without a doubt the most important figure in late twentieth century American political philosophy, and his work continues to set the terms of many important debates in political philosophy even today. In this course, we will survey Rawls's own work, alongside that of some of his most influential and incisive critics, such as Robert Nozick, Susan Moller Okin, G.A. Cohen, Jurgen Habermas, and Charles Mills. Topics to be studied include the contractualist method in political philosophy and the challenges of ideal theory, Rawls's theory of distributive justice and the value of equality, the problem of political stability, the idea of public reason, and more.
Learning Objectives
By taking this course, you will:
(1) Understand Rawls's major contributions to contemporary political philosophy: the content of his theory of justice as well as his methods and arguments.
(2) Understand as well some of the major criticisms and debates around Rawls's theory.
(2) Acquire proficiency in recognizing, reconstructing, and critically evaluating political-philosophical arguments.
(3) Develop and defend your own answers to important political-philosophical questions.
Class Materials (Required)
Class materials must be purchased.
John Rawls, A Theory of Justice, Revised Edition (Belknap Press 1999), 978-0674000780.
John Rawls, Political Liberalism, Expanded Edition (Columbia University Press, 2005), ISBN 978-0231130899.
Other readings will be made available online via the course Canvas site.
Class Notes
Final Paper
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Juniors & Seniors