Critical Choices in Social Life

Description
This subject works on a selection of philosophical and ethical concepts and ideas to help the student think critically and rationally.

The course aims to promote reflection on issues of our global world in the perspective of training the whole person. From different approaches of problems in economic, political, cultural and social areas we look for the formulation of critical/ethical criteria to guide decisions on matters which affect society. The topics will be focused from the perspective of the principles of Christian social thought of dignity, common good, universal destination of goods, the principle of subsidiarity, solidarity, the preferential option for the poor, participation and social justice. It will emphasize the understanding of the two poles around which values that underlie decision making are generally oriented: the interest of the individual or group, the common good and commitment to the community. It also includes critical reflection on the horizon of decisions: short term and long term, as a concrete expression of intra and inter-generational sustainability.

One cannot forget the increasing importance that this issue has acquired in the past years, both in the world of business as in that of education, thereby becoming very relevant in the training of students

Contents
1. Economy. Fundamentals of economy. Microeconomics. Macroeconomis. Ethical issues in the market. Work. Ecology.
2. Policy. Participation. State and institutions. Conflict and reconciliation.
3. Society. Human Rights. Migration. Family.
4. Culture and education. Intercultural and interreligious dialogue. Social movements: postmodernism, modernity.

Methodology
Teaching is by means of both lectures and seminars in the classroom. Students are expected to devote time outside the classroom to independent reading and study of primary and secondary sources, and to writing essays.

Assessment
Assessment for this course will be based on the combined grades of a final examination and two class tests (50%), two essays (30%) and presentations and participation in class (20%).