Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2019 - 2020
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Description This module will introduce students to important aspects of Western political philosophy, providing them with a critical understanding of the political theories underpinning the contemporary world. The topics to be studied in the module cover the major issues of political philosophy: the ‘State of Nature’; justifications of the political state; the question of who should rule; liberty, property, and distributive justice; human rights; socialism, anarchism, & feminism; the social contract; neo-liberalism; and the environment. Students will gain an understanding of the historical development of central political concepts and traditions, as well as learning about the latest ideas in contemporary political philosophy. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. comprehend central issues and themes in the history of political philosophy; 2. construct arguments using the conceptual tools of political philosophy and apply these arguments to contemporary issues; 3. understand the wider social, political and cultural significance of these issues and themes; 4. engage in critical analysis and interpretation of important philosophical texts; 5. distinguish the principal positions in political theory; 6. evaluate and independently assess key conceptual ideas and movements in political philosophy; 7. communicate the meaning and evolution of political concepts and present their own arguments and ideas clearly in written form; 8. synthesize a range of concepts and approaches into a unified overview of the field. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Plato's RepublicPhilosopher-RulersAristotle's "Political Animals"Virtuous CitizensLockean LiberalismProperty Rights and 'Freedom from Interference'Social ContractThe Rational Agreement of Political Principles?Marx and MarxismThe Injustice of CapitalismMill and the 'Harm Principle'Can We Do What We Want?Liberal EgalitarianismContracting from Behind the Veil of IgnoranceLibertarianismRestricting GovernmentThe Capabilities ApproachAnalyzing Martha Nussbaum's Theories | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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