PHL3330 Issues in Political Theory
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Handbook entry- a brief description of the subject can be found in the handbook entry. The handbook also provides information about the unit leader, the semester and mode in which the unit is available, the contact hours and the assessment requirements.
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MUSO site - there is a WebCT site for this unit where assessment tasks, lecture notes and other unit resources will be posted. Once enrolled, students taking this unit are advised to check the WebCT site regularly.
Subject description:
This unit is concerned with questions in political philosophy. The overarching question which political philosophers are concerned to ask is: What is justice?
In this particular unit, we focus upon justice as it relates to the concept of private property, and distribution of property in a society. In particular, we look at questions such as:
- Why have property rights anyway? Is property necessary for society? Are property rights morally fundamental?
- Is it legitimate for the state to tax private individuals?; for what purposes? Should taxation levels be based on wealth, income, talent, transactions, or some other basis?
- What is owed to those who are the victims of unjust property transactions? In particular, what is appropriate reparation for those who suffered an injustice a long time ago?
In this unit we will focus on contemporary philosophical attempts to deal with these questions. In particular, we will consider the views of a prominent liberal, John Rawls, and a prominent libertarian, Robert Nozick. We will also have occasion to touch upon the views of earlier philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Mill.
What is the value of studying this subject?
The central question of political philosophy (What is justice?) is fundamental. It is a question on which all citizens ought to have an informed opinion. Studying this subject is a good way to start forming that opinion.
The theories you will become familiar with Theories of Social Justice have obvious practical applications to society. Understanding the philosophical theories of justice which we study in this subject will greatly enhance your ability to evaluate and participate in contemporary political debates.
More broadly, this subject will, like all philosophy subjects, improve your skills in argument analysis, argumentative writing, reading, and interpretation.