Theories Of Justice

Learning objectives

1. To introduce the students to some basic concepts of moral philosophy and to some classical and contemporary theories of justice; 2. To improve the capacity of deliberating and arguing in public by means of classroom discussion on topics of moral theory and applied ethics. 3. To promote the improvement of the students' knowledge of the English language by teaching in English.

Contents (summary)

The course is partly in seminar-based as it combines the traditional lecture method with classroom discussions and student presentations on topics of moral theory applied ethics. Lectures and seminars introduce students to basic concepts of moral philosophy and to classical and contemporary theories of justice, such as Aristotle and virtue ethics, Kant and deontological ethics, Bentham and utilitarianism, Rawls’s theory of justice, and the debate between liberals and communitarians. Active participation in classroom

discussions is required and intermediate or advanced knowledge of the English language is appreciated.

Programme (extended version)

The course is partly in seminar-based as it combines the traditional lecture method with classroom discussions and student presentations on topics of moral theory applied ethics. Lectures and seminars introduce students to basic concepts of moral philosophy and to classical and contemporary theories of justice, such as Aristotle and virtue ethics, Kant and deontological ethics, Bentham and utilitarianism, Rawls’s theory of justice, and the debate
between liberals and communitarians. Active participation in classroom discussions is required and intermediate or advanced knowledge of the English language is appreciated.

Recommended course materials:

M. Sandel, Justice. What’s the Right Thing to Do?, London, Penguin books, 2010

Teaching methods: Lectures and seminars. Active participation in class discussions is required.

Evaluation methods: Oral exam. Specific ways for assessing the learning outcomes (eg., written tests,

classroom presentations) may be arranged with the attending students.

Further information: No other information.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites. Knowledge of the English language at least at an intermediate level is

appreciated and may be necessary to successfully attend the course and pass the exam.