Theories of justice 700
Not offered in 1995
One 2-hour seminar weekly over 13 weeks
The formulation and testing of approaches to the question of the substantive directives and arrangements the law ought to offer for the relations of members of society to each other. The subject will involve an examination of the most influential contemporary theories of justice - libertarian, liberal and socialist. Related concepts such as those of liberty, rights, equality, welfare and desert will also be studied. Fundamental questions concerning the nature of morality and moral inquiry will be discussed: are they objective or subjective, universal or relative, matters of emotion or belief?
Assessment
Take-home examination: 40% * Research paper (6000 words): 60%