Undergraduate - UnitATS3868 - Philosophy: Issues in political theory

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Clayton Second semester 2012 (Day) South Africa Second semester 2012 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Pieter Duvenage

Notes

Previously coded PHL3330

Synopsis

The unit will discuss theories of liberty, equality and justice, and the role of the state in promoting these values. When are inequalities of income and wealth just? Are liberty and equality compatible? Can a secure foundation be provided for individual rights and liberties? Must liberty take priority over other values? These issues will be discussed mainly in the light of the work of contemporary political philosophers, but some reference will also be made to classical thinkers.

Outcomes

Students completing the subject will have an understanding of the various suggested foundations of property rights, and the nature of disagreements about the role of the state in redistribution of income and wealth, and in protecting property rights.

At 3rd year level, students will be expected to attain a deeper level of understanding, and to have become familiar with a wider ranger of texts.