Moral Foundations of Politics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/moral-politics

Introduction

### Course Review: Moral Foundations of Politics on Coursera #### Overview "Moral Foundations of Politics" is a thought-provoking course hosted on Coursera that invites participants to grapple with a fundamental question of political philosophy: when should we pledge our allegiance to governments, and when is it justified to dissent? This course delves deeply into the rich intellectual traditions that have shaped our understanding of political legitimacy in the context of historical and contemporary debates. The course is structured around key political theories that emerged during the Enlightenment and examines their relevance today. By studying concepts such as Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition, learners will gain insights into how these ideas influence modern political discourse and understanding of legitimacy. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Welcome to Moral Foundations of Politics** The introductory module effectively orients students with the course structure, providing insights into the instructor's approach and what sets this course apart in the landscape of political theory education. 2. **Enlightenment Political Theory** Diving into the crux of legitimacy, this module poses challenging questions. For instance, it contemplates the legitimacy of the Third Reich and the moral implications of Eichmann's actions. This kind of inquiry is crucial for anyone wanting to understand the gray areas of moral and political allegiance. 3. **Utilitarianism: Classical and Neoclassical** This module tackles utilitarianism's evolution, providing historical context before transitioning to contemporary debates. Professor Shapiro’s presentation style encourages critical thinking, prompting students to consider the implications of utilitarian theory in current political scenarios. 4. **Marxism, Its Failures and Its Legacy** Marx’s critiques of capitalism are dissected in this part of the course, offering a comprehensive look at both the strengths and weaknesses of Marxist thought. This is particularly valuable for learners interested in economic theories and their political consequences. 5. **The Social Contract Tradition I & II** These two modules provide a thorough exploration of the social contract theory, starting from classical thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. By dissecting historical context and relating it to modern discussions, students are offered a dual perspective that enriches their understanding of political legitimacy. 6. **Anti-Enlightenment Politics** Here, students explore the counterarguments to Enlightenment thought, which is essential for fostering a well-rounded comprehension of political ideologies. The intersection of classical and contemporary rejection of Enlightenment principles invites critical examination of modern political discourse. 7. **Democracy** The final module focuses on democratic politics, questioning its justifications and how it intersects with both Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment ideologies. This discourse is timely, considering current global challenges to democratic norms and practices. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend "Moral Foundations of Politics" for anyone interested in political philosophy, whether you're a student, a political enthusiast, or a professional looking to deepen your understanding of legitimacy in governance. The course offers a well-structured exploration of complex theories while encouraging critical thinking and engagement with both historical and contemporary issues. The instructor, Professor Shapiro, brings a wealth of knowledge and an engaging teaching style that makes intricate philosophical debates accessible. The thoughtfully designed modules encourage reflection on one of the most pressing questions in political thought, making it a significant contribution to one’s educational journey. Enrolling in this course could be a transformative step toward understanding the turbulent political landscapes we navigate today, equipping learners with the intellectual tools to critically evaluate the legitimacy of their own governments and civic responsibilities.

Syllabus

Welcome to Moral Foundations of Politics

Welcome to the course. Meet your instructor and learn about the structure of the course and what makes it distinctive.

This module explores what makes a government legitimate. More specifically, was the Third Reich illegitimate and was Eichmann breaking some kind of higher law here?

Classical and neoclassical utilitarianism are examined in this module starting with the historical context. Professor Shapiro then shifts to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today.

This module on Marx's Enlightenment theory focuses on the foundations of capitalism theory and its major weaknesses.

This module looks at classical formulations of the Social Contract Tradition, locating them in historical context, but then shifts to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today.

This module looks at classical formulations of the Social Contract Tradition, locating them in historical context, but then shifts to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today.

This module explores the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations.

This module deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking.