Political Science 416 - Moral Political Theory

[ PT ] Over the past decade there has been a noticeable and often remarked upon “moral turn” in political theory as writers have sought to ground political action in conceptualizations of the self, of the relationship between self and Other, of obligation, or more generally of the central moral question, "What ought I to do?"  In truth, there has long been a tendency toward the conflation of moral and political theory, and this seminar will be devoted to coming to terms with that conflation.  The texts will be drawn from Kant, Max Weber, T. W. Adorno, Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, Alain Badiou, Wendy Brown, John Rawls, Raymond Geuss, and others.  Students will be required to complete several response essays during the course of the semester and a seminar paper upon its conclusion.

Limited to 15 students.  Fall semester.  Five College Visiting Professor Xenos.