Course code

HIF6350.HT

old course code

Course title in Estonian

Poliitikafilosoofia

Course title in English

Political Philosophy

ECTS credits

6.0

Assessment form

Examination

lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester

Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.

Course aims

The main aims of the course are to gain knowledge and understanding of the main classical and contemporary theories of political philosophy, and to develop the skills to apply these theories when interpreting some of the key contemporary political problems and questions.

Brief description of the course

We will read some of the key thinkers and texts in Western political philosophy, including Thucydides, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Arendt and Rawls. On the basis of knowledge of key concepts and ideas presented by these authors, we will analyse topical political and social problems, such as: what is power and who should hold it? Why should we and when should we not obey the law? What is the main aim of politics: to deliver social equality, justice or only to maintain peace and order? What is justice: the justice of the stronger, protecting the vulnerable, or something else? What is freedom and how can it be attianed? Can war ever be just and justified?

Learning outcomes in the course

Upon completing the course the student:
- will be familiar with and be able to analyse and synthesise key political philosophical theories and concepts;
- will know and be able to use these key theories and concepts in interpreting and analysing contemporary political problems and questions;
- will be able to formulate, argue for and justify her/his political values and judgements.

Teacher

Liisi Keedus

Study programmes containing that course

Philosophy (HIFIB/24.HT)
Philosophy (HIFIB/23.HT)