Political philosophy, in the broadest sense, concerns the question of how we should all live together as a society. It goes beyond morality and ethics in considering the structures of power within which individuals make their choices of how to live. Where the former asks 'What is the right thing to do?' or 'What is the good life?', political philosophy asks questions such as 'What does the just society look like?' Classic topics in political philosophy include the nature and scope of individual rights, the legitimacy of the state, justifications for democracy, the value of equality, liberty, and autonomy, and how to overcome oppression and injustice.

2 lectures per week for 9 weeks, plus 4 tutorials. The course may not run every year. Options running this year are available on MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x Essay (2500 words) - 100%

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Introduce the central components of influential theories in political philosophy;

■ Familiarise students with the main positions and arguments within each topic;

■ Enable students to deploy these arguments for themselves.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain what political philosophy is;

■ Explain and critically assess major theories concerning topics such as the nature and scope of individual rights, the legitimacy of the state, justifications for democracy, the value of equality, liberty, and autonomy, and how to overcome oppression and injustice;

■ Apply political philosophical concepts to real world situations and personal experience;

■ Develop their own political philosophical positions in response to the literature, and back them up with careful and rigorous philosophical argument.