Overview

This module provides an advanced introduction to some of the most significant problems and approaches in contemporary political philosophy. After beginning with an examination of Rawls’s theory of justice, the module moves on to consider three lines of critique (libertarian, feminist and egalitarian) that have been advanced against Rawls’s theory, also considering how Rawls might be able to either dispel or accommodate these lines of criticism. It then address developments in liberal egalitarian political philosophy since Rawls, looking at the work of theorists such as Derek Parfit, T.M. Scanlon, Harry Frankfurt, Ronald Dworkin, G.A. Cohen, Richard Arneson and Elizabeth Anderson. The module concludes by examining some background questions regarding the nature and methods of political philosophy.

Convenor: Dr Martin O'Neill

Autumn Term.

Module guide