POLS 824 - Ethics and Political Thought

3 cr

Description A study of the writings of major political philosophers, particularly with respect to the way in which they inform public sector ethical frameworks and shape discourse surrounding the nature of American political institutions, public policy, and public administration. Overview of fundamental ideas regarding the nature of the state, the rights and obligations of citizens, and the composition and authority of governmental institutions through analysis and discussion of original writings from major contributors in political thought (including Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Publius, Marx, Foucault, Rawls) and various schools of philosophy (including rationalism, anti-rationalism, empiricism, positivism, utilitarianism, pragmatism, phenomenology, and post-modernism). Extensive consideration given to the manner in which the ideas associated with political philosophy affect our understanding of the ethical obligations, character, and tasks of American political institutions, public policy, and public administration.

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