PHIL 270 - History of Social Thought

Under what conditions does the state have legitimate authority over its citizens? The course first surveys historical answers from the Western philosophical tradition which imagine that citizens are bound to obey due to an implied contract with the government. Anti-racist, anti-colonial feminist critiques of that so-called ‘social contract’ tradition analyze structural oppressions, pushing the question of the possibility of moral alternatives. 3 credits. First-year and sophomore only

Pre-req: INTD 100
3 credits