Ateneo - UPO

What justifies a duty? What makes a government legitimate? Which laws are just? Is it permissible to wage war? Should we tolerate the intolerant? Where do inequalities originate? When should we compensate the less fortunate? These and other questions have stimulated the inquiry of political philosophers, from classical thinkers to modern and contemporary theorists. The course will examine the main authors and issues in political philosophy, encouraging you to reflect on the validity of values you may take for granted and teaching you to publicly debate the merits and criticisms of different perspectives.

Lecture Notes and Extracts from Classic Texts Published on DIR: Williams: Amoralist; Plato: Thrasymachus; Aristotle: Forms of Government; Thucydides: Melian Dialogue; Machiavelli: Chapters 15-17; Hobbes: Chapters 13-14; Locke: On Toleration; Rousseau: Discourse on the Origin of Inequalities; Rawls: A Theory of Justice; Nozick: Anarchy, State, and Utopia; Dworkin: Sovereign Virtue

Theoretical Skills

- Know the main authors and the central themes of political philosophy: Familiarize yourself with the ideas and contributions of key thinkers in the field.
- Understand and reconstruct philosophical texts: Analyze original texts in depth, identifying and interpreting the main arguments and concepts.

Practical Skills

- Analyze and evaluate moral and political arguments: Critically examine different ethical and political positions, assessing their coherence and validity.
- Develop and convincingly argue your own opinions: Build and present logical and persuasive arguments on topics in political philosophy.

Transversal Skills

- Acquire the ability to critique other positions in public debate: Evaluate and respond constructively to the different perspectives and arguments present in public discourse.
- Promote critical and independent thinking: Strengthen the ability to think critically and autonomously on complex issues.

Logical-Linguistic and Historical Skills Acquired in High School

The course begins with a series of lectures aimed at introducing you to philosophical thought and the main authors and themes of political philosophy. Reading of textual sources at home is required to prepare for the lectures and enrich classroom discussions. In the final phase, a workshop will be organized where, divided into groups, you will discuss current and relevant contemporary political issues such as war, abortion, and religious tolerance.

If you cannot attend, simply enroll to the internet site (DIR) where you shall find all the materials to prepare the final oral examination. If in doubt, feel free to email me at carlo.burelli@uniupo.it

The course includes two written exemptions during the term (mid-term and end of course), containing open-ended questions on the respective halves of the course. Alternatively, it is possible to take the oral exam by covering the entire program. Grades are expressed on a scale of thirty, and the evaluation is based on the following criteria: 1) Knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered: 18 points out of 30 (sufficient). 2) Ability to present the acquired knowledge clearly and correctly: 6 points out of 30. 3) Ability to establish connections between the topics treated and to deepen them critically and with autonomous judgment: 6 points out of 30.

The course is divided into three theoretical sections and one practical section.
1. Political Thought of Classical Philosophers:
o Authors Covered: Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, Machiavelli
o Content: Exploration of the political theories and visions of the state and society proposed by classical philosophers. Analysis of their main works and the historical context in which they were developed.
2. Revolution of Modern Contractualism:
o Authors Covered: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau
o Content: Study of contractualist theories that revolutionized the concept of government legitimacy and the relationships between the individual and the state. Discussion on the ethical and political implications of these theories.
3. Distributive Justice in Contemporary Philosophers:
o Authors Covered: John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Ronald Dworkin, Bernard Williams
o Content: Analysis of different conceptions of distributive justice and their applications in modern societies. Comparison between egalitarian and libertarian visions of justice.
4. Contemporary Dilemmas:
o Topics Covered: War, abortion, religious tolerance, technocracy
o Methodology: Organization of preparatory meetings followed by group debates. Students, divided into groups, will discuss and argue on current political issues, applying the theories studied during the course.

1 Basic Knowledge of Concepts and Approaches in the Discipline: Understanding foundational ideas and methodologies in political philosophy. 2 Overview of the Most Relevant Issues in Contemporary Discussions of the Discipline: Gaining insights into current debates and topics within political philosophy. 3 Ability to Independently Reconstruct Arguments: Developing the skill to analyze and build philosophical arguments autonomously. 4 Ability to Engage in Class Discussions on Study Topics: Enhancing participation and contribution to in-class debates and discussions. 5 Oral and Written Expressive Skills Tested in Discussions and Written Assignments: Improving communication skills through verbal debates and written work.