Perhaps the most fundamental concept of political philosophy is “authority.” In the process of pursuing this central topic, we will also consider a number of related issues, including social contract theory, democratic theory, anarchism, liberalism, and justice. Readings will include classic and contemporary sources. We will also consider real life exercises (and abuses) of authority, along with some empirical studies, as sources of philosophical questions and to illustrate philosophical points.
COVID-19 notice: during 2020W Term 1, the course (lectures and discussions) will be taught entirely online, and asynchronously (with some synchronous options).