ATS3869 · Political philosophy

Overview

The overarching aim of this unit is to give you a strong foundation in political philosophy. The unit focuses on core questions central to the discipline. Examples can include: How should wealth and income be distributed in the just state? What is the meaning of equality, and how does a just state respect it, given religious and cultural diversity? What is the meaning and value of liberty? When is it justified to punish someone for violating a state's laws? Should political philosophers strive to articulate a conception of ideal justice, or an account of justice more feasible for the actual world? You will be introduced to central attempts to answer questions like these, using both classical and contemporary authors.

Areas of study: Bioethics Philosophy

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain fundamental concepts in political philosophy
2. Apply the methodology of political philosophy in answering philosophical questions
3. Describe how political philosophy relates to other branches of philosophy
4. Identify relevant literature for the purposes of scholarly work on political philosophy
5. Communicate effectively in oral and written form
6. Undertake independent research

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.