Fall 2014 - PHIL 320 D100

Social and Political Philosophy (3)

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 2 – Dec 1, 2014: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 9, 2014
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120W (or equivalent), 220, or ENV 320.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of an issue or selection of issues in social and political philosophy. Contemporary or historical readings or a mixture of these will be used. Possible topics include: justice, the law and legal systems, sovereignty, power and authority, democracy, liberty and equality. Sometimes the course will focus on the views of historically important political philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, Mill and Marx.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an intermediate level survey course in political philosophy. It provides students with a systematic overview of the contemporary philosophical landscape by relying on classic papers written over the last 40 years. The course objective is that you become familiar with some main controversies in political philosophy. Some questions we will consider: what are the theoretical foundations of the liberal state? How is the state’s authority over its citizens justified (if at all?) What is justice? What does justice require of us in terms of economic redistribution? Who is a subject of justice and why? Should the liberal state be neutral or perfectionist? What sort of education should the state require its citizens to receive? Are citizens of faith in the liberal state faced with special burdens as a result of their religious beliefs? 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course is excellent preparation for law school.  It also counts towards the Certificate in Ethics (please see department website for more information about the Certificate).

Grading

  • • Two 5-8 page (1500-2500 words) papers – 30% each (with optional revision) 60%
  • • Participation 5%
  • • Final exam 35%

REQUIREMENTS:

All written assignments must be submitted to turnitin.com, which is a plagiarism detection website.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings are available on JSTOR or will be made available on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS