Description
Many inspiring theories about distributive justice exist and have been the result of more than two thousand years of political philosophy. In this course an overview of dominant modern approaches to the issue of distributive justice will be provided. In this context, attention will be paid to both ‘ideal and abstract visions’ on justice, as well as more specific examples of social, economic and political injustice on a local and global scale.
Purpose 1: Getting a systematic overview of the most relevant theoretical ideas about distributive justice, and understanding the high complexity involved in this topic.
Purpose 2: Apply concepts of distributive justice in a specific region, community, and national or international institutions.
Content: The concept of distributive justice will be considered in its many moral and political dimensions. During the seminar meetings a multitude of topics will be discussed, varying from the central philosophical notions of distributive justice in the history of political theory, local and global economic and social (in)justice, social problems as caused by racial discrimination and economic exclusion, to questions of justice related to natural resources and the global environment. There will be a special focus on the issue of distributive justice in relation to the much debated problems of climate change and global warming. A considerable part of the readings will cover the issues of poverty and global economic injustice between now living generations (intra-generational justice), and between current and future generations (inter-generational justice) In this context, the emphasis will be on the ideas of political philosophers such as Friedrich Hayek, John Rawls, Amartya Sen, Brian Barry, Peter Singer, Thomas Nagel, J.W. Gray and Derek Parfit.
Methods of Instruction
This course includes workgroup meetings, guest lectures, watching at least one or two relevant documentaries, class debates, writing papers and giving class presentations.
Study Material
Milton Friedman, Capitalism and Freedom, (2002) various versions
John Rawls, A Theory of Justice, various editions, from 1999 and later
Amartya Sen, The Idea of Justice, Penguin 2010
Peter Singer, The Life You Can Save: How to play your part in ending world poverty, Picador 2010
Derek Parfit, Reasons and Persons, Oxford paperbacks, 1986
Copies of a number of relevant book chapters and journal articles.
Examination
Students have to write a number of short papers and give presentations on a regular basis, which will be graded. At the end of the course a more substantial final essay has to be written. The final mark will be based on the quality of the various papers, presentations and general participation.
Special notes:
Sufficient knowledge of Political Philosophy in general and modern Political Philosophy in particular is a necessary requirement for this course. Students must at least have successfully passed a 10 ECTS introductory course in Political Philosophy / Theory to be accepted for this particular MA course.
Registration
See preliminary info