Political philosophy and the European Union

Teacher(s)

van Middelaar Luuk; Van Parijs Philippe;

Language

English

Main themes

The central themes of political philosophy 'justice and democracy' have traditionally been treated at the level of the nation state and, more recently, at the level of the world as a whole. The course will focus on the specific issues they raise at the level of this intermediate entity of an unprecedented nature that is now called the European Union, including the interpretation and role to be given in this context to nationalism and patriotism, competitiveness and security, freedom and solidarity.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	The course aims to stimulate and feed rigorous and relevant normative thinking about the future of the European Union, its purpose, scope and institutions, by relating philosophical theories of justice and democracy to the down-to-earth challenges Europe faces in today's world.

Content

The course consists of
(1) an introductory and a concluding session that will link explicitly philosophical theories and current challenges ;
(2) a sequence of four dialogues with prominent European personalities (open, next to the students, to a limited number of outsiders individually invited);
(3) a set of meetings that will prepare these dialogues .

Teaching methods

Reading of texts, including by the invited guests, and collective preparation of the dialogues.
Individual preparation of an essay on the basis of the dialogues.

Evaluation methods

Active participation in class. Written essay followed by oral discussion of the essay.

Bibliography

Sera communiquée au premier cours.

Faculty or entity

EURO