SDG Detail

POLITICS 209 : Modern Political Thought

Undergraduate course

Project description

We begin by thinking about the state: whether it is justified, what it might sensibly do, and how the state's ambitions should be lmited. This section of the course considers anarchism, public goods, conservatism, and political obligation. We then ask what it means for us to be free and autonomous, and we analyse the threats of coercion, force and manipulation. We consider whether freedom conflicts with economic redistribution. We ask whether our rights over our bodies extend past our deaths - should people�s organs be conscripted for transplantation once they are dead and no longer need them? And what if people are free but wrong? Should we let them go to hell in their own way? We analyse paternalism and rational decision-making, and apply it to addictive drugs and the state�s attempts to improve our lives.

Year 2022

Location New Zealand

Organization University of Auckland

Project aims

Project outcome

By the end of this course, students will be able to: Gain knowledge of primary currents in modern political theory (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2 and 6.3) Develop critical perspectives on that work (Capability 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3) Develop skills in constructing arguments and analytical thinking and writing (Capability 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2) Learn how to apply these to current politics (Capability 3.1, 3.2 and 6.3)