Esteve Morera
morera@yorku.ca

Office Location: S419 Ross

Phone: (416) 736-2100,  ext. 77591

Office hours: Monday 1:00-2:30

or by appointment

This course will focus on the conceptual foundations of Western social and political philosophy.  It will be divided into two parts, one historical and one contemporary.  In the first part, we will engage in an examination of some of the primary texts of such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Hobbes, Locke, Mill, and Marx.  We will pay particular attention to their views about human nature, the social contract, social justice and its foundations, and the nature and origins of inequality.   The second part of the course will be devoted to the study of some contemporary thinkers, both to develop an understanding of important criticisms of the classical texts and appreciation of crucial debates in our times. This will include liberal, socialist, and feminist thinkers, as well as some African and aboriginal thinkers.

Andrea Veltman, editor.  Social and Political Philosophy.  Classic and Contemporary Readings.  Oxford

PHIL 2060 KIT  - Available at the York Bookstore

First Test (Oct. 9) . . . . . .   30%

Paper  (Dec. 2)  . . . . . . . .   35%

Final exam . . . . . . . . . . . .  35%

Lectures

The student completing this course will,

• Understand the origin and development of key ideas in social and political philosophy
• Appreciate contemporary developments in contemporary social and political philosophy
• Evaluate critically arguments related to the nature of society, justice, freedom, and equality.

Write cogently and clearly about social and political issues.