Advanced Studies in Political Philosophy B [ LFILO2361 ]

Basic instruction in political philosophy ;
reading knowledge of English sufficient to permit study of contemporary texts in political philosophy

Each year this course will select a particular theme, e.g., justification for democracy, sovereignty, citizenship, conflict, power, justice worldwide, social justice, etc.
The course will always present philosophical approaches different from the chosen theme, and compare and contrast these.
The course will pay special attention to the relationship between the chosen theme and a reflection on the goals and methods of political philosophy.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to analyze and discuss, in a well-informed manner based on his or her own thinking, a selected question in the area of political philosophy.
At the end of the course the student should :
- Be able to use research tools in political philosophy ;
- Be able to conceptualise the selected question ;
- Be able to situate responses to the question in the larger framework of the history of political philosophy and of contemporary debates as regards different approaches and theories;
- Include, in the philosophical discussion of the selected question, contributions from other disciplines pertinent to the analysis and discussion of the question ;
- Develop his or her own argumentation relative to the question.
- Submit the method of study chosen for the selected question to a critical reflection.

/

/

Political philosophy and utopian thinking

The first edition of Thomas More's Utopia was published in Louvain in 1516. By way of preparation of the commemoration of the 500th anniversary, students will be invited to reflect on the relationship between two approaches to the question of the nature of the good society: normative political philosophy and utopian thinking. From its critique by Karl Popper or Friedrich Hayek to its defense by Paul Ricoeur or John Rawls, utopia has been the object of very diverse evaluations by philosophers. Starting from the book which gave utopia its name and from specific utopias such as John Stuart Mill's idea of a stationary state, the course will illustrate a conception of political philosophy that leads to the critical elaboration of utopias and a conception of utopian thinking that ascribes a crucial role to political philosophy.

/

/