LASS326 Social and Political Philosophy

Political theories underwrite political policies, practices, and campaign rhetoric, but how can we argue rationally about which theory is most compelling? Even if we agree on a political theory, can there be rational arguments to resolve political disagreements about policies and practices that matter to us? Can’t we agree on what an objectively valid or sound argument is, or on the meaning and use of fundamental political concepts like liberty, law, neutrality, equality, justice, authority power and rights? How might philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Nill, Marx, Rawls, Nozick, Sen, or Rorty help answer these questions? Our course will address such questions as these, while analyzing social issues broached in our texts or otherwise selected from international ethics, the market economy, world poverty, terrorism, war, affirmative action, racism, sexism, art censorship and local manifestations of such issues. The course is thesis defense essay driven and classroom Socratic dialogue participation intensive (sometimes in small classroom groups), so you must buy assigned books, read assignments, speak up in class and write! You must also make two “fieldtrips” to political philosophy events of your choosing in greater Boston, demonstrating your ability to apply reading and class discussions to the “real world.”

Prerequisites: LALW100; FRSM100; LALW200