POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

Gianfranco Pellegrino

Instructional goals

The aim of this course is making the students able to grasp the main concepts and theories of contemporary political philosophy. I'll focus in particular on capacity to draw sound inference; grasp of the main conceptual distinctions; capacity to compare different approaches; mastery of the specific language; argumentative and discussion skills.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding The student is able to easily understand the main analyses conducted in the fields of Political Philosophy. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding By using the concepts developed and tested by political philosophy, the student is able to actively participate and contribute to the choice of social policies in progress, by employing a language and methodology sufficiently sophisticated and rigorous scientifically. These skills, in addition to being evaluated in the final phase (in written form), will be monitored through intermediate tests. Moreover, the presence of multimedia contents available on the Moodle platform (videos, slides, exercises, forums, working groups, etc.) will give the possibility to create a permanent interaction between class and teacher, thereby giving the opportunity to verify competences in real time. Autonomy of judgment The student acquires methodological tools useful to develop analyses resting on collection, processing and interpretation of data relating to economic, social and political phenomena. The ability to make independent judgements is conveyed in lessons, workshops and seminars and it is checked In the finale exam. Communication skills The student develops the ability to communicate her/his specific knowledge and to present the results of he/his study and research activities. Communication skills are tested in exams and during guided discussions. Learning Ability The student develops an autonomous ability to study at a higher level, which allows him/her to analyze problems their complexity and specific dynamics. The development of this capacity is stimulated by individual reading and understanding of scientific texts and articles.

Course Contents

I'll deal with two modules. I.Theories of Political Obligation (contractarianism, democracy, samaritanism, fair play); II. Theories of distributive justice (utilitarianism, egalitarianism, prioritarianism), and three case-studies: a. equality measurement; b. migration; c. climate change

Reference Books

-- teacher's notes and ppt; -- M. Sandel, Giustizia. Il nostro bene comune, Feltrinelli, Milano, 2013 -- R. E. Wolff, In difesa dell'anarchia. Critica della democrazia rappresentativa, Eleuthera, Milano, 2013 - M. Huemer, l problema dell'autorità politica. Un esame del diritto di obbligare e del dovere di obbedire, Liberilibri, Macerata, 2013 - "Il futuro delle persone e il futuro dell’umanità: principi e teorie", in Lessico di etica pubblica, 2/2019

Teaching Methods

Lectures, case studies, mini-quizzes, mini-polls and guided discussions

Assessment Method

Written intermediate and final exams

Thesis assignment criteria

Not less than 27/30.