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PHIL 365 SOC POL PHIL - (20810-FA2024)
Covers classical and contemporary theoretical approaches in the philosophical study of human social and political organization, addressing topics such as taxation, reparations, immigration, private property, voting, secession, or war. Questions may include: What is justice? Is governmental power legitimate? What is freedom? Does freedom require a certain form of government or a certain type of economy? What is the nature of oppression? What should be done to make up for historical injustices, such as genocide or slavery? Regular written assignments will be required. In particular, this semester we will begin with two influential philosophers and their opposing views of private property, John Locke and Karl Marx. From there we will see how contemporary philosophers extended, criticized, and responded to their arguments. In the process we will learn how to read and write philosophy ourselves.