PHIL 170H.001 – Honors Social Ethics and Political Thought

Instructor: Thomas E. Hill, Jr. This course meets TR 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. in CW 213.

A study of selections from classic works in political philosophy from Thomas Hobbes to John Rawls. Questions include: What is the source of political authority and the obligation to obey the law? When, if ever, is revolution justified, and why? What are the requirements of justice, for example, regarding property, individual liberties, and democratic procedures? Is the idea of a social contract relevant today? Discussion will be emphasized. Class presentations, papers, and exams will be required.