PHIL 201 - Introduction to Political Philosophy

5 CR

Same as POLS 201.
Explores the philosophical foundations of politics and political activity. Organized around key political and philosophical concepts, such as authority, citizenship, equality, justice, liberty, power, rights, and sustainability. Either PHIL 201 or POLS 201 may be taken for credit, not both.

Course Outcomes

Articulate conceptions of citizenship and the potential tensions between these and self interest.
Summarize key concepts in political philosophy.
Distinguish competing conceptions of liberty, equality and the good life in various theories of justice.
Formulate and evaluate normative theories of justice in political philosophy
Apply theories of justice to specific policy issues.
Analyze issues of sustainability including the free rider problem and the tragedy of the commons and how these bear on theories of justice

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