Syllabus – keep handy for reference
Dr. Aeon J. Skoble
341 Tillinghast, x2460
Email: askoble@bridgew.edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble
Office hours: M 9-10, TTH
Texts:
Political
Philosophy: Essential Selections,
edited by Skoble and Machan
The Philosophy
Student Writer’s Manual, by
Graybosch et al
Overview and
objectives:
This course will explore different theories of the grounding, nature, and scope of rights and liberties. We will consider a variety of questions in social and political philosophy such as: What does it mean to call something a “human right”? How should we understand liberty? Are there different conceptions of liberty underlying different political theories? Why are some theorists, both from the left and right, critical of the very idea of rights or liberty? We will examine the development of rights theory (and different theoretical justifications for rights) as well as the arguments of its various critics. Other topics might include such things as the relation between rights and responsibility, the relation between a theory of morality and a system of legal rights, and the possible conflicts between liberty and community. Our main objectives are to understand, among other things: the different theoretical approaches to defending and criticizing the notion of rights, the relationship between rights and duties, the distinction between liberty-rights (or freedoms) and claim-rights (or entitlements), what is meant by “human” rights, the relationship between “economic” and “civil” liberties.
Requirements:
First of all, please note that you are required to do all assigned readings, whether from the texts, on handouts, or on the internet, and to be prepared to comment on them if called on in class to do so. Also, regular attendance is a requirement of the class. This is a reflection of the fact that the primary vehicle for learning the material is the class itself, of which you should see yourself as a part. You should regard coming to class as the norm. Obviously there is such a thing as a good reason to miss class, but be sure you limit your absences to such occasions, as absences in excess of three will result in reduction of overall grade no matter what your average is. Excessive lateness will count as one or more absences -- besides being disruptive, you are missing something. If you do have to miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional assignments, from a classmate. (On the other hand, if I am late, it almost certainly means I am ill – call the department office at x1258 to find out.)
In general, try to observe some of the ground rules of civilized society: Anything with an off switch should be off (as should, ideally, hats), eat and drink quietly and discreetly, don’t read the newspaper or do homework for another class, don’t go to sleep. You are not to use your phone during class. Disruptive behavior will result in your being asked to leave. Conversely, constructive participation will be rewarded. Please be attentive to the distinction between criticizing an idea and personal attacks. Disagreement is productive, angry fighting is not.
Subject to adjustments as noted above, your grade will
primarily be calculated thus:
Two 5-page papers 30% each; final exam 40%.
I will assign three papers; you only need write two of them.
Outline (subject to change):
The course has the dual goal of (a) having you explore certain key issues and themes and (b) giving you a sense of the historical development of some of the thinking on these questions. The outline below, which I may alter if it strikes me as advantageous, should give you an approximate idea of how things will proceed. I have left the final two weeks blank so as to allow maximum flexibility.
Sept. 3 - general intro to course
Sept. 8-10 what is government? why have society at all? what is law?
Sept. 15-17 what is justice? what is the nature of social order?
Sept. 22-24 two approaches to justification: “divine right” and “natural law”
Sept. 29-Oct. 1 the advent of modernity
Oct. 6-8 the origins of classical liberalism (1st paper due this week)
Oct. 13 (no class); Oct 15 revolution and counter-revolution
Oct. 20-22 revolution and counter-revolution continued
Oct. 27-29 the rise of communism and fascism
Nov. 3-5 contemporary defenses of liberalism
Nov. 2-7 libertarianism (2nd paper due this week)
Nov. 10-12 contemporary criticisms of liberalism
Nov. 17-19 anarchism
Nov. 24 human rights in theory and practice (no class Nov 26)
Dec. 1-3 (3rd paper due this week)
Dec. 8-10
Dec 17,
Other notes:
*There will be a web site for this class. Look for the link to PHIL235 on my home page.
*If you’re finding the subject matter interesting, consider
getting involved with the BSC
*The department maintains a web site, which contains links to useful resources, fun philosophical diversions, and information about coming events of potential interest. Go to http://www.bridgew.edu/philosophy and have a look around!