PPE 300 - Liberalism

Credits: (3)
This course focuses on liberalism as both a general philosophical view and, in particular, as the foundation of the modern liberal democracy, through an exploration of topics such as the nature of the human person and political society, human rights, the limits of political authority, justice, and political legitimacy. The course will also include a consideration of the philosophical differences between liberalism and rival theories, such as natural law and conservatism, and how these differences are manifest in contemporary debates concerning issues such as economic equality, religion in the public square, and the relationship between morality and law. Students will make use of the concepts discussed in the course to develop critical analyzes of contemporary social and political institutions. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 103 Foundations of Philosophy (3) (Fall, odd years)