Economy and Society I-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS06 10014 LE43 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Second semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Seminar | |
| Target Year | Mainly 2nd year students | Target Student | For liberal arts students | |
| Language | English | Day/Period | ||
| Instructor name | Not fixed (Kyoto University) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course |
This course is a "Great books" seminar that discusses the book "Collective choice and social welfare" by Amartya Sen. The book is a classic study that analyzes the theory of collective choice. It addresses topics such as whether the values of individuals can be aggregated in a way that leads to a sensible rule for social decisions to be made. As well as relevance to economics it has important philosophical aspects and is related to ethics and the theory of justice. The purpose of the course is to come to a thoughtful, nuanced understanding of this text. |
|||
| Course Goals |
~ To read, understand and critique "Collective choice and social welfare" by Amartya Sen. ~ To improve critical reading skills. ~ To prepare students for further analytical work in game theory, economics, sociology or philosophy. |
|||
| Schedule and Contents |
Each week a chapter or part of a chapter will be discussed in class. It is essential that before attending class you read the relevant chapters and articles and watch the online lectures provided. The course consists of the following topics, each of which will be covered in 1 to 2 lectures (1.5 to 3 hours of class time): 1. Introduction and preferences 2. Unanimity 3. Collective Rationality 4. Choice Versus Orderings 5. Values and Choice 6. Conflicts and Dilemmas: the liberal paradox 7. Interpersonal Aggregation and Comparability 8. Cardinality With or Without Comparability 9. Equity and Justice 10. Majority Choice and Related Systems 11. Theory and Practice Total： Approximately 14 classes, 1 Feedback session (i.e. 15 lectures per semester, excluding examinations). The course yields two credits. |
|||
| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Grading will predominantly be based on class presentations and discussion of ideas (70 to 100%). Up to 30% may be based on in-class tests that can take place from time to time throughout the semester. | |||
| Course Requirements |
Students are required to have the English and mathematical skills required to read the assigned texts, attend class and participate in discussion. Students MUST have a copy of the book (either a hard copy or an electronic copy) as it will be used from the very beginning of the course. |
|||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | The assigned chapters of the book, as well as any other readings assigned in class, should be read each week. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | Collective Choice and Social Welfare, Amartya Sen, (Harvard University Press), ISBN:9780674919211 | ||
