I
want to alert you to a new topic-based introductory-level Philosophy class
covering important, timely questions being offered this Fall since it is the
first time this topic is being offered: PHIL-P 145 Intro to Social and
Political Philosophy (Topic: Justice). The class carries both GenEd and CASE
A&H credit and the subject matter promises to be of interest to many
students across the campus. Here is Prof. Shapshay’s description:
“Is
access to a decent minimum of health care a right? What do citizens of wealthy
countries owe to citizens of poor countries? Can a society that does not allow
for religious freedom ever be just? What kind of treatment is owed to
non-human animals? These are complex, vexed but also very pressing questions.
The first aim of this course is to introduce students to the most important
theories of justice that provide orientation in addressing such questions in a
rigorous, rational manner. The second aim of the course is to hone
students’
critical thinking, writing and speaking skills so that they
may argue for compelling, well-reasoned positions on matters of justice in a
public policy context.
Readings will include essays and book chapters by John
Stuart Mill, Mary Wollstonecraft, Karl Marx, Isaiah Berlin, John Rawls, Thomas
Pogge, Peter Singer, Martha Nussbaum, Robert Nozick, and Joshua Cohen among
others.
There will be frequent short writing assignments and
classroom debates.
This will be a very lively class.”
Best,
Will
Will
William E. Smith III, PhD
Academic Advisor for American Studies, Exploratory, India
Studies, Philosophy, and Religious Studies
College of Arts & Sciences
Indiana University-Bloomington
