Political Philosophy
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 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2026/2027 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Brief description of the course
The course focuses on 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 attained? 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;
- knows and be able to use these key theories and concepts in interpreting and analysing contemporary political problems and questions;
- analyzes broader current political issues through a political-philosophical framework;
- formulates and justifies their political-philosophical positions and value judgments.
- will be familiar with and be able to analyse and synthesise key political philosophical theories and concepts;
- knows and be able to use these key theories and concepts in interpreting and analysing contemporary political problems and questions;
- analyzes broader current political issues through a political-philosophical framework;
- formulates and justifies their political-philosophical positions and value judgments.
Teacher
Liisi Keedus
Study programmes containing that course