PHL2510

Political Philosophy ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Toby Handfield

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This subject introduces some central debates in contemporary political theory. The first third of the course examines some essential recent work on the liberal conception of justice and equality. The second part of the course looks at socialist, feminist and communitarian critiques of liberalism. The final third of the course is concerned with the foundations and limits of religious toleration and individual freedom in a multicultural society. For more information see http://arts.monash.edu.au/phil/undergraduate/lateryear.html.

Objectives: Students successfully completing this subject will have an understanding of current debates over the core political concepts of justice, freedom and equality. Students will be able to formulate and analyse these issues in relation to the problem of inter-cultural tolerance in a pluralistic society.

Assessment: One expository assignment, 1000 words (20%) One essay, 2500 words (50%) One hour exam (30%) Essay may be replaced by optional 2-hour examination

Contact Hours: One x 1 hr lecture/week One x 1 hr tutorial/week

Prerequisites: A first year sequence in philosophy

Prohibitions: PHL3510