Political Philosophy (Advanced Studies)

Teacher(s)

Gosseries Axel; Lauwers Anna (compensates Gosseries Axel);

Language

English

Main themes

Each year the course will select a particular theme, e.g. justification for democracy, sovereignity, citizenship, conflict, power, justice worldwide, social justice, climate justice, migrations, etc.. The course will always present different approaches to the chosen theme, compare and contrast them.
The course will pay special attention to the relationship between the chosen theme and a reflection on the goals and methods of political philosophy.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Capacity to formulate an advanced research question in political philosophy, to respond to it in a clear manner and to defend their response
2	Capacity to perceive the difference between factual, conceptual, axiological, and normative statements
3	Acquire substantial knowledge relating to the specific theme discussed during the year in question

Content

In 2026-27, the course theme is “The Politics of Identity and Recognition”. We will discuss questions such as: What is identity, and how does it matter politically? What does it mean to receive recognition for one’s identity, and what obligations does the state have in providing this? For example, should the state extend special group-rights to cultural, linguistic, racial, or religious groups? And does state involvement constrain or enable the goals of social movements like Black Lives Matter, Les Hijabeuses, or Idle No More? Each class will be based on a paper in contemporary political philosophy, and seek to connect it to contemporary affairs.

This year, the course might also include a segment on a bonus topic in political philosophy, taught by a visiting Erasmus lecturer.

Teaching methods

The course is primarily focused on reading and discussing texts (these texts are in English). Students are required to actively participate, including by preparing a (very) short response to each week’s reading in advance of the seminars. Students are also asked to link the theoretical material in the course to contemporary cases from current social and political affairs, via a presentation in pairs on a topic of their choosing. Lastly, we will pay attention in class to writing skills, to prepare for the final assessment. This consists of a writing assignment on the course topic/readings.

Evaluation methods

Evaluation will be mainly based on a writing assignment, alongside class participation (including presentations).

Other information

Basic knowledge in political philosophy will be expected (it is an advanced course).
A passive knowledge of English is required; active use of English is very much encouraged.

Online resources

Material will be rendered available, week after week, on Moodle.

Bibliography

A déterminer

Faculty or entity

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