This course will introduce students to some of the fundamental debates in contemporary social and political philosophy. It will cover a range of concepts, theories, ideas, and thinkers, and their relevance in current contexts. The course will have two parts. In the first part we will explore the philosophical debates in the Western Political Theory tradition and discuss philosophical positions on Utilitarianism, Equality, Libertarianism, Marxism, Multiculturism, and Feminism. The second part of the course will focus on debates in the Indian political theoretical tradition. This part will engage with debates on religion, freedom, and equality within the Indian context and apply it to important contemporary social and political questions.
Students will understand and critically engage with key historical and contemporary debates in western social and political philosophy
Students will be able to understand and critically engage with key debates in Indian political theory.
Students will be able to recognize and evaluate similar theories and analyse other relevant political arguments
Students will be able to make normative arguments and judgement, develop their own views, and apply them in their social and political contexts
Students will be able to critically evaluate arguments independently as well as through participation in a group