Theories of Justice and Human Rights-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS06 20041 LE41 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | Mainly 1st & 2nd year students | Target Student | For all majors | |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Tue.4 | |
| Instructor name | ALVAREZ ORTEGA，Miguel (Graduate School of Law Program-Specific Associate Professor) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | The problem of what constitutes a fair and just society has been a recurring topic not only for philosophers and lawyers but for human beings in general throughout history. The first half of this course introduces the main theories of justice developed both within and without the Western milieu taking a historical and a multicultural angle. The second half of this course deals with Human Rights both as a model of justice and as an international standard. The philosophical foundations of the notion of human rights, as well as its criticism, will be addressed from the perspective of contemporary thinkers from different schools by also considering the problem of the universalism-relativism dilemma. Moreover, issues concerning the efficacy of the instrument, both from an international and a constitutional point of view, will also be addressed to provide a comprehensive frame (philosophical, legal and political) for the students. | |||
| Course Goals |
- to enable students to develop a critical approach to Justice and Human Rights. - to provide students with instruments to critically assess compliance with international standards of Justice and Human Rights. |
|||
| Schedule and Contents |
1. Introduction 2. Ontological justice: Ancient Greece and Rome 3. Theological justice: Christian feudalism 4. Justice in the pre-Modern world: review and overview 5. Negation of justice?: Political pragmatism (Machiavelli) I 6. Negation of justice?: Political pragmatism (Machiavelli) II 7. Contractualism (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau) I 8. Contractualism (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau) II 9. Contractualism (Agganna Sutta) III 10. Kant and Human Rights (I) 11. Kant and Human Rights (II) 12. Human Rights in Contemporary Philosophy I 13. Human Rights in Contemporary Philosophy II 14. Human Rights in International Law: an overview 15. Human Rights: efficacy and indicators. The order of the lessons and the implementation of the syllabus may change according to the actual development of the classes. |
|||
| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
Students are expected to read and prepare materials for online discussions every week. They will submit reports on the texts covered, which will constitute 70% of the final grade. Active participation and engagement in the online sessions will constitute 30% of the final grade. |
|||
| Course Requirements |
Proficiency in the English language is required. Some philosophical background is desirable. |
|||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | Students are required to prepare texts for discussion on a weekly basis and be ready to present and discuss such material in class. They are also expected to critically reflect upon the addressed and discussed issues after class. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | No single specific textbook will be followed. Specific papers and materials will be distributed each week. | ||
| References, etc. |
Textbook on International Human Rights, Rhona K.M. Smith, , ISBN:978-0198746218
Students in need of a reference book may resort to the one here included. |
|||
