Philosophy 2

This course is an introduction to practical philosophy, by means of selected topics in moral and political philosophy. We begin by considering two kinds of moral theory that have dominated the contemporary scene. We will then use these theoretical frameworks to investigate the morality of abortion, and the right to privacy. In the second half of the course we consider the relationship between citizen and state. In particular, we ask whether political authority is ever justified, and consider the special case of democratic authority. The justification of action by political authorities is thought to be especially problematic in societies where there is deep disagreement, and so we end by asking about the possibility and value of toleration in diverse societies like our own.