This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Is it right that the talented profit from their (undeserved) talents? Should the government provide compensation for people who find it hard to meet that special someone? Should we think our duties to our compatriots are more important than our duties to people in other countries?
This course is divided into two parts. The first part examines classic topics in political philosophy, such as Rawls Theory of Justice, Nozick's libertarianism and the feminist and communitarian criticism of political liberalism. The second part of the course will explore issues within contemporary political philosophy, such as equality, our obligations to those in the developing world, and the politics of immigration. We will consider whether we can make sense of political obligation between states as well as within states. We will look at these issues in the context of particular recent case studies.
Total Contact Hours: 40
Private Study Hours: 260
Total Study Hours: 300
Main assessment methods:
Seminar Performance – 10%
Mid-term Essay (1,300 words) – 40%
Final Essay (1,700 words) – 50%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an appreciation of a number of philosophical topics such as the sources and scope of political authority, and the ideals of equality, fraternity and freedom;
2. Read analytic philosophy in a way that is considered, reflective, and imaginative;
3. Write analytic philosophy in a way that is careful, logical, structured and coherent.
4. Demonstrate understanding of issues within contemporary political philosophy, such as our obligations to those in the developing world, the role of a private sphere of action, and the politics of immigration.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate skills in critical analysis and argument though their reading and through listening to others;
2. Demonstrate an ability to make complex ideas clearly understandable to specialists and non-specialists in a variety of forms;
3. Work autonomously and to take responsibility for their own learning.
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