POL200Y1Y L5101
Political Theory: Visions of the Just/Good Society
Themes
This course aims to introduce students to key concepts and ideas of political philosophy, through a careful reading of selected works that shaped the tradition of western political thought. We will interpret the texts (i.e. try to understand what is being said), and evaluate them normatively (i.e. asses the justification that is being offered). More particularly, we will examine the stances and approaches of seven thinkers on different topics, such as justice and the distribution of resources, freedom, citizenship, the state’s legitimacy and goals, power and its uses, human nature, and the cultivation of virtue.
Texts
TBA
Format and Requirements
Essay 1 25%, essay 2 30%, tutorial 10%, and a final examination 35%.