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 10-11, TTH 11-12, or by appointment
Required Texts:
Philosophy,
Politics, and Economics, ed. by Anomaly/Brennan/Munger/Sayre-McCord
Additional readings and videos posted online
Overview and
objectives:
This course is about the application of philosophical analysis to concepts
and institutions of the political/legal order. Questions of social and political philosophy
include things like: what are some different theories of the grounding, nature,
and scope of rights? What is meant by “human”
rights? What is the relationship between
“economic” and “civil” liberties? What,
if anything, justifies political authority?
Is government a corrective to markets, or is it the other way
around? What is the relationship between
economics and the political/legal order?
What is property? Does democracy
work? What are communism and fascism? For that matter, what do words like “liberal”
and “conservative” mean? Can liberty and equality coexist? What is justice? Is revolution legitimate? We will investigate these and related
questions in several ways: our 25 class meetings, most of the 13 chapters of
the textbook, some guest speakers, and some online resources.
Course objectives will be to learn about these issues, and to develop improved
skill in the following:
1, careful reading of philosophical texts from classic and contemporary sources
2, analysis and argumentation as applied to philosophical questions about both theories and institutions of the political order
3, concise and insightful writing about 1 and 2
Requirements:
First of all, please note that you are required to do all assigned readings and viewings, 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. Repeated unpreparedness indicates that you are not taking the class seriously and will result in grade reduction as appropriate. 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. 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, or a guest speaker, it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional assignments, from a classmate.
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:
Weekly response: each week, with one or two exceptions, I will ask you
to respond to some question or reflect on some problem. You will reply via email not later than
Sunday at noon. Your reply need not be
more than a paragraph, but must demonstrate critical reflection and real
engagement with the material. Successful
completion of all weekly responses=40%
Two short papers (approx. 3 pages) I will ask you to
(and help you figure out how to) expand two of your weekly responses into full
essays. @30% each=60%
Course Outline (subject to change):
The outline below should give you an approximate idea of how things will proceed, but I reserve the right to alter this if it seems necessary or advantageous.
Sept. 7 Introduction
to topic and course, discussion of syllabus
Sept. 12-14 Chapter
1
Sept. 19-21 Chapters
2/3
Sept. 26-28 9/26-guest
speaker; 9/28 begin Chapter 4
Oct. 3 Chapter 4 (no class 10/5)
Oct.10-12 Chapter
5
Oct. 17 Chapter
5-6 (no class 10/19)
Oct 24-26 10/24-guest
speaker; 10/26 begin Chapter 7
Oct 31 Chapter 7 (no class 11/2)
Nov. 7-9 Chapter
8
Nov. 14-16 Chapter
11
Nov. 21 Begin
Chapter 10 (11/23=Thanksgiving)
Nov. 28-30 Conclude
ch. 10, begin Chapter 12
Dec. 5-7 Conclude
ch. 12, begin Chapter 13
Dec. 12 Conclude ch. 13
Other notes:
*If you’re finding the subject matter interesting, consider
getting involved with the BSC
* This course counts towards the general major in Philosophy, the Philosophy major with Concentration in Social/Political Philosophy, the minor in Philosophy, and the interdisciplinary minor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). Please see me if you are interested in exploring any of those options. Study in these fields offers excellent preparation for a variety of careers, especially law, public policy, and management.