The course aims to enable students to understand and critically discuss some of the central issues in contemporary political philosophy, with particular reference to theories of justice, the relationship between the market and democracy, and the criteria for assessing social welfare. Through engagement with key figures in contemporary political theory, such as John Rawls, Michael Sandel and Amartya Sen, students will be guided in analysing various normative conceptions of society, focusing both on models of justification for political institutions and on the implications of extending market logic. In particular, the course aims to develop students’ argumentative skills, their informed and precise use of theoretical vocabulary, and their mastery of key conceptual distinctions (justice, utility, well-being, freedom). Particular attention will also be paid to the ability to apply the theoretical tools acquired to the discussion of contemporary issues.

1. Knowledge and understanding By the end of the course, students will have acquired: a. knowledge of key issues in contemporary political philosophy, particularly theories of justice, the relationship between market and democracy, and conceptions of social welfare; b. understanding of different theoretical approaches (justice-based vs. welfare-based) and their application to concrete problems; c. ability to critically engage with philosophical texts and identify main arguments; d. awareness of the connections between normative theories and historical, economic, and empirical perspectives. 2. Applying knowledge and understanding By the end of the course, students will be able: a. to discuss and argue critically about issues concerning market, justice, and welfare; b. to formulate objections, compare different theoretical positions, and participate in discussions and group work; c. to write short analytical texts using appropriate conceptual tools. 3. Making judgements Students will: a. develop the ability to form independent judgements on key political issues, especially regarding the evaluation of markets; b. distinguish between normative and descriptive claims; c. construct and defend arguments while engaging with alternative views. 4. Communication skills Students will: a. present ideas clearly and coherently using appropriate philosophical language; b. engage in structured and critical debate. 5. Learning skills Students will: a. apply analytical and argumentative skills in further studies; b. approach related disciplines (especially economics and social sciences) with critical awareness.

The course is divided into two parts: The first part focuses on the main theories of justice in contemporary political philosophy and their institutional implications. The fundamentals of Rawls’s political liberalism will be introduced and some of the main critical perspectives (libertarianism, communitarianism) discussed, before exploring various approaches to distributive justice (lot-based egalitarianism, sufficiency theory, limitarianism, proportional justice) and the issue of the metrics of justice. The second part of the course focuses on the relationship between the market, morality and democracy. Starting from Michael Sandel’s analysis of the ‘market society’, we will examine the normative limits of the extension of market logic and its political impact. The course will then introduce the main issues relating to the assessment of well-being and the role of utility, before developing, through the contribution of Amartya Sen, a more nuanced perspective that integrates considerations of well-being and freedom. In conclusion, an overall reflection will be offered on the role of the market in democratic societies in the light of the tools of political philosophy.

Sandel, M. J., Quello che i soldi non possono comprare. I limiti morali del mercato, Feltrinelli: pp. 11–46; 34–38; 90–91; 95–127; 200–203. Sandel, M. J., La democrazia stanca, Feltrinelli: pp. 245–292. Sen, A., Etica ed economia, Laterza: pp. 7–37; 73–110.- Sebastiano Maffettone. Introduzione a Rawls. Laterza, 2010, pp. 3--60 - B. Giovanola, Giustizia sociale, pp. 30- 42 - B. Giovanola, Giustizia sociale. Eguaglianza e rispetto nelle società diseguali. Il Mulino, 2018, pp. 61-80 e 97-105 - B. Giovanola, Giustizia sociale, pp. 107-140 Sen, A. L’idea di Giustizia, Mondadori, 2009, capitolo 11, pp. 235-257 e capitolo 12, pp. 262-277 Frankfurt, Harry G. Sulla Disuguaglianza. Perché l’uguaglianza economica non è un ideale da perseguire, 2015, Guanda Editore, capitolo 1, pp. 1 - 26 Robeyns Ingrid (2017) Having too much. In: Knight J and Schwartzberg M (eds) NOMOS LVI: Wealth. Yearbook of the American Society for Political and Legal Philosophy. New York: New York University Press, pp. 1–44. Alì, N., & Caranti, L. (2021). “How much economic inequality is fair in liberal democracies? The approach of proportional justice”. Philosophy & Social Criticism, 47(7), 769-788. Nadia Urbinati, Democrazia in diretta (selezione) Colin Crouch, Postdemocrazia (selezione)

Lectures, case studies, and guided discussions

Final written exam consisting of open-ended questions (3 questions chosen from 9)

Not less than 27/30.