Social and Political Philosophy

Academic year: 2009-2010 Course code module 2BPSW-05 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 45,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Peter Reynaert Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 1st semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Students should have had a introductory course in philosophy and have knowledge of the main ethical theories. *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) Students should gain an insight in the complexity of social-philosophical problems. They must be capable of explicitating the normative approach to social-ethical problems. The question about the double foundation of the political, namely its historical origin and rational argument, is crucial here. The course does not only aim at explainig the main philsophical debates in contemporary social and political philosophy. Future sociologists and politicologists should equally be capable of interpreting actual political and social problems against a philosophical background and in terms of its relevant philosophical framework. 3. Course content The course consists of two parts. Part one defines social philosophy as a critical, normative theory of the good society on the basis of an analysis of classical social-philosophical themata, such as Enlightenment, ideology and utopia. Based on an essential insight into the original sociality of man, the course further argues that the fundamental social virtue is mutual recognition, and that this can only be realised in a political society. Explained are then the foundation (social contract-theory), the norm (justice and human rights) and the limit (violence) of the political. Part two is devoted to the problem of justice, and presents the contemporary discussion. The following theories are presented, critically discussed and confronted: Utilitarianism, Rawls, Libertarianism, neo-marxism and communitarianism. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Closed book Open questions 6. Compulsory reading – study material course material written by the lecturer available from "cursusdienst Universitas" 7. Recommended reading - study material no further specific material is requested, although a critical bibliography is included in the material. 8. Tutoring After class and by appointment. laatste aanpassing: last update: 21/12/2009 09:33 peter.reynaert