Social Philosophy

COURSE OBJECTIVE
In this course you will gain knowledge of, and insight into:
1. the historical developments in social philosophy, from antiquity to the 20th century, with a focus upon contemporary philosophy;
2. the ideas of key thinkers in social philosophy (such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Rousseau, Marx, Rawls, Arendt, Foucault);
3. the concepts and theories most relevant for social philosophy.

And you will practice the skills to:
1. critically read and analyze primary philosophical texts;
2. take part in discussions about the texts;
3. develop a position in relation to a theme or a philosopher’s ideas;
4. improve your writing skills (on the basis of feedback).

COURSE CONTENT
In this course, you will gain an overview of the main developments in social philosophy and you will read key texts from its history, with a special focus upon 20th century philosophy. In introductions (the first seminar every week) the larger timeline of the history of social philosophy will be presented; in subsequent text-reading seminars, original texts of philosophers will be discussed in detail. Reading the original sources will give you a better understanding of the specifics of the philosophers' thinking.

TEACHING METHODS
Weekly introductions and text reading seminars. The students are expected to prepare the text seminars well by handing in assignments (reading questions).

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
1. Assignments: reading questions about the primary texts (10 %).
2. A paper of 1200 words about one of the primary texts (20%). Minimum required grade for the paper to pass is: 5.
3. Written exam with essay questions on the course materials (seminars and literature) (70% of the final grade). Minimum required grade for the exam: 5,5.