Philosophy 261: Introduction to Political Philosophy

Winter 2016

Tues/Thurs 12:30-1:50

University Hall 102

Professor Stephen White

Office: Kresge 3351

Office hours: T/TH 4-5

TA: Raff Donelson

Course description

This course will focus on the question of what constitutes a just political society. Students will be introduced to some of the central theories of justice in the Western philosophical tradition, including liberalism, utilitarianism, Marxism, and libertarianism. More specifically, we will be addressing questions like: How much inequality should be allowed in a just society? To what extent does the redistribution of wealth infringe on individual liberty? What rights do individuals have against the state? What kinds of responsibilities come with citizenship?

Learning objectives

Students will:

  • Gain an understanding of the different principles and ideals of political morality that motivate a diverse range of political views.
  • Develop the ability to articulate what is at issue in debates about the relation between public and private responsibility for various aspects of citizens’ lives.
  • Learn to identify and reconstruct the main arguments and assumptions found in philosophical texts.
  • Work on writing a clear thesis and present a thoughtful argument in support of that thesis.

Texts

Will Kymlicka, Contemporary Political Philosophy (available at Norris)

Other readings will be posted on the course website.

Assignments and Evaluation:

First Essay (30%)

Second Essay (35%)

Final Exam (30%)

Participation in discussion section (5%)

Course policies

  • Attendance required for both lecture and discussion section.
  • Late work: Assignments will be docked 1/3 of a letter grade for each day late unless you have arranged for an extension at least 5 Days prior to the due date. Extensions will not be granted merely because the student has assignments for multiple courses due the same day. Documentation is required in cases of emergency.
  • No laptops, phones, or tablets may be used during class. Exceptions to this rule may be arranged in consultation with Professor White.

Plagiarism:

Any form of plagiarism will be reported to the dean’s office and will result in a 0 for the assignment.

Accommodations

We aim to provide students with disabilities and other conditions requiring accommodation a learning and community environment that affords them full participation, equal access, and reasonable accommodation. Eligible students should contact AccessibleNU, in the office of the Dean of Students to arrange for the proper accommodations as early as possible in the quarter. To contact AccessibleNU, visit

Schedule

Introduction

Jan 5: Kymlicka, Ch. 1, pp.1-7

Utilitarianism

Jan. 10: Kymlicka, Ch. 2, sec. 1-4

Jan. 12:Kymlicka Ch. 2, sec. 5-6

John Rawls, A Theory of Justice selections (Canvas)

Liberal Egalitarianism

Jan. 17: John Rawls, A Theory of Justice, selections (“Two Principles of Justice”)

(Canvas)

Kymlicka, Ch. 3, sec. 1-2,

Jan. 19: Rawls, Theory of Justice selections (“The Original Position”)(Canvas)

Kymlicka, Ch. 3, sec. 3,

Jan. 24: Rawls, Political Liberalism, selections (“Priority of the Basic Liberties) (Canvas)

Jan. 26: Kymlicka, Ch. 3, sec. 4-5

*First paper due: Sunday Jan 29(by midnight, via Canvas)

Libertarianism

Jan 31: Robert Nozick, Anarchy, State, and Utopia, selections (Canvas)

Kymlicka, Ch. 4, sec. 1

Feb. 2: Kymlicka, Ch. 4, sec. 2

Feb. 7: G.A. Cohen, “Robert Nozick and Wilt Chamberlain: how patterns preserve

liberty” (Canvas)

Marxism

Feb. 9: Kymlicka, Ch. 5, sec. 1,

Karl Marx, selections (Canvas)

Feb. 14: Kymlicka, Ch. 5, 2-4

Problems for Democracy Today

Feb. 16: Anderson, The Imperative of Integration, selections (Canvas)

*Second paper due: Sunday Feb. 19 (by midnight, via Canvas)

Feb. 21: Stanley, How Propaganda Works, “Propaganda Defined” (Canvas)

Feb 23: Stanley, How Propaganda Works, “Propaganda in Liberal Democracies”

(Canvas)

Feb 28: Stanley, How Propaganda Works “Language as a Mechanism of Control” (Canvas)

March 2: Stanley, How Propaganda Works “Language as a Mechanism of Control” (Canvas)

March 7:Overflow

Final Exam:Monday, March 13