161-110 The Ties that Bind

This subject is an introduction to social and political philosophy. It involves an examination of a number of important questions by focusing on the politico-social frameworks of our existence. Different claims about the way we are embedded in, or detached from society, such as those made by communitarians, anarchists and liberals, are presented for analysis. A number of intimate unions which are critical to our self-understanding and our relation to others are also explored. The subject will ask students to examine a number of case studies that present social and political problems in complex contexts, and students will need to identify and evaluate the philosophical bases of some commonly debated issues and dilemmas. On completion of the subject students should have developed an awareness of the way in which social structures and the shape of intimate relationships reflect fundamental understandings about how we should live. They should also be better able to analyse the locus of socio-political disagreement.

Two essays, one of 500 words and one of 1500 words, regular participation in tutorials and a 2-hour examination.

A subject reader will be available.