Critical Social Inquiry 0280 - 20th Cent. Pol/Philosophy

Political Philosophy in the twentieth century features a reaction to the dominant liberalism of the 16th to the 19th centuries. At its heart, lie challenges to notions of subjectivity, borders, sovereignty, and membership. These challenges range from philosophers on the far left to the far right, and are core to the issues that we face today internationally as well as in the U.S. Is it the case, for example,that human rights should be restricted to those who are legalcitizens of a country? Can we agree that certain human beings should not receive protection from torture or excessively rough treatment? What are the conditions by which someone can be protected under the law? Should we accept that "freedom at home and abroad" will cost us millions of human lives, or don't the ends justify the means? Is cosmopolitanism an acceptable alternative to liberalism, or does it privilege those who already have? In this course, we will examine these questions, among others which are so relevant to contemporary politics.

Writing and Research Students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing and group assignments.