Theories of Justice - PHL357
What is justice? What is fair? This unit explores these important questions by examining several leading contemporary philosophical theories of justice, including John Rawls's influential theory of justice, and assessing the capacity of these theories to respond to pressing social issues. To do this we look at issues of inequality and diversity in society by asking: what degree of inequality, if any, can be justified? We explore the different answers to this question proposed by liberals, libertarians, and Marxists. We shall also examine broader questions around social and retributive justice, such as: How can we justify punishing those who violate justice? Should we focus more on the well-being of communities and less on the rights of individuals? Is justice biased against women? Should minorities receive special rights? What are the obligations of democratic citizenship? And what do we owe the poor in other countries?
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| When Offered: | S1 Day - Session 1, North Ryde, Day S1 External - Session 1, External (On-campus sessions: None) |
| Staff Contact(s): | Dr Paul Formosa |
| Prerequisites: |
(39cp at 100 level or above) or admission to GDipArts |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | PHIL357, PHI320, PHIX357 |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Unit Type: | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Philosophy Faculty of Arts |
Course structures, including unit offerings, are subject to change.
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