Objet de l'activité (principaux thèmes à aborder)

The general topic of the course can be summarized in one question: Does a market economy promote or destroy freedom ?
Starting from the libertarian point of view which -on the basis of a specific notion of negative freedom -unambiguously answers " yes ", we will then explore two alternative ethical positions: one which mitigates the libertarian enthusiasm by introducing an alternative notion of freedom (freedom to achieve) but still offers a qualified " yes " ; and one which moves towards a resolute " no " by advocating yet another notion of freedom (freedom from alienation or freedom from econornic violence).
Our aim will be to arrive at a clear answer to the question, at least at a clear formulation of the precise content of the question; through the reading of texts and the collective discussion of their content in class. One key issue, of course, will be to decide which notion of freedom we want to advocate in the end, and how the notion we focus on determines the way we try to answer the question.

Résumé : Contenu et Méthodes

Preliminary discussion: The connection between " market " and " capitalism "
1. The libertarian approach : Freedom from encroachment
2. The " freedom to achieve " challenge: An ambiguous acceptance of the market logic
3. The marxist denunciation : The market as a tool of entrenched injustice

The course will be organized as a seminar in which the instructors interact with the students in a lively discus-sion. This does not rnean, of course, that the reading list is optional. The requirernent is to read alI the texts scheduled for each session and to be able to surnrnarize their content as weIl as to participate very actively in the discussion.

Autres informations (Pré-requis, Evaluation, Support, ...)

None






Based on a written essay. The essay will be defended orally, and this will be the opportunity to test the student's knowledge of the course material.




Reading list.

Autres crédits de l'activité dans les programmes