Discover how influential political philosophies shape contemporary governance systems and guide modern policy development approaches.
Discover how influential political philosophies shape contemporary governance systems and guide modern policy development approaches.
This course examines the moral foundations of politics, focusing on when governments deserve our allegiance. It covers major political theories of the Enlightenment, including Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition, as well as critiques of Enlightenment thinking. The course explores both classical formulations and contemporary debates, emphasizing practical implications for current political issues. Topics include economic inequality, affirmative action, healthcare distribution, state power limits, and global environmental challenges. The course concludes with an examination of democratic politics and its relationship to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment thought.
4.9
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English
پښتو, বাংলা, اردو, 4 more
What you'll learn
Understand major political theories of the Enlightenment
Analyze classical and contemporary formulations of Utilitarianism
Examine Marxism's foundations, failures, and legacy
Explore the social contract tradition and its modern interpretations
Evaluate critiques of Enlightenment political thinking
Understand the nature and justifications for democratic politics
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
10.75 Hours PreRecorded video
7 quizzes
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
FullTime access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course explores the moral foundations of politics, examining when governments deserve allegiance and when they should be denied it. It covers major political theories of the Enlightenment, including Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition, as well as critiques of Enlightenment thinking. The course emphasizes both classical formulations and contemporary debates, focusing on practical implications for current political issues. Topics include economic inequality, affirmative action, healthcare distribution, limits of state power, and global environmental challenges. The course concludes with an examination of democratic politics and its relationship to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment thought.
Welcome to Moral Foundations of Politics
Module 1 · 31 Minutes to complete
Enlightenment Political Theory
Module 2 · 3 Hours to complete
Utilitarianism: Classical and Neoclassical
Module 3 · 7 Hours to complete
Marxism, Its Failures and Its Legacy
Module 4 · 7 Hours to complete
The Social Contract Tradition I
Module 5 · 8 Hours to complete
The Social Contract Tradition II
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
Anti-Enlightenment Politics
Module 7 · 5 Hours to complete
Democracy
Module 8 · 8 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
Financial Aid
Instructor
Sterling Professor of Political Science and Henry R. Luce Director
Ian Shapiro is Sterling Professor of Political Science at Yale University and Director of the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. A South African native, he has written extensively on democracy, justice, and social inquiry methods. Shapiro earned both his J.D. and Ph.D. at Yale, where he has taught since 1984. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. His recent books include *Politics Against Domination* and *Responsible Parties*. His research focuses on the relationship between democracy and wealth distribution.
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4.9 course rating
5,785 ratings
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