Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Historical & Philosophical Inq
An examination of some of the core concepts in political philosophy such as equality, community, liberty, ownership, state neutrality & autonomy. Different political philosophies & critical perspectives employing various interpretations of these concepts are also studied such as egalitarian, libertarian, feminist, & communitarian theories. Contemporary political issues are used to both illustrate the nature of the different theories & also as an aid in critically assessing them.
This course may not run if there are fewer than 20 enrolments.
The course will examine some major moral and political philosophies along with introducingﾠthe method of Reflective Equilibrium as a methodology for thinking about moral and political philosophy.ﾠContemporary political and applied issues will be used to both illustrate the nature of the different philosophies & also as an aid in critically assessing them.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PD233, PHIL7233
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students are to attend one 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial each week. There will be 10 tutorials in the semester.ﾠTutorials start in Week 2.ﾠ There are no lectures or tutorials on Monday 5ﾠMay as it is a public holiday.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The main aims of this course is to guide students through a number of different political philosophies. In doing so, the focus will be on helping students develop conceptual frameworks through which they can understand and evaluate the arguments, policies, and political philosophies they encounter. They can then use these ideas to organise their intellectual and policy responses to the social world around them. Contemporary and applied issues will be used to both illustrate the nature of the different theories & also as an aid in critically assessing them.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
identify and be able to characterize the arguments of some major political philosophers
LO2.
critically evaluate and develop your own views about the different theories
LO3.
characterize arguments for and against Rawls' principles of justice
LO4.
characterize arguments for and against egalitarianism and welfarism
LO5.
understand the notion of pareto optimality and its role in the discussion of distributive justice
LO6.
characterize libertarianism and understand arguments for and against it as a political philosophy
LO7.
characterize and be able to critique the arguments for and against intellectual property
LO8.
characterize and be able to critique the arguments for and against the use of QALYs
LO9.
understand reflective equilibrium and its role in the discussion of distributive justice
LO10.
characterize and evaluate feminist political philosophy and critiques of liberalism
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Lecture and Tutorial Participation
|
12% |
Week 1 - Week 13 |
| Essay/ Critique | First Essay | 35% |
17/04/2025 2:00 pm
Topics available on 24 March |
| Essay/ Critique | Draft Core Argument for Final Essay | 3% |
16/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
Due: 2pm 16 May for topics covered up 28 April Due: 2pm 23 May for topics covered up 26 May |
| Essay/ Critique | Final Essay | 50% |
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
Topics available on 28 April |
Assessment details
Lecture and Tutorial Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 12%
- Due date
Week 1 - Week 13
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09, L10
Task description
Participation in the lectures and tutorials includes polls which will be administered live via Zoom. The participation assessment is there to encourage students to attend and engage in active Socratic thinking. Its purposes include helping students learn how to think philosophically (philosophy is not, like many disciplines, mainly about learning content but rather more about developing reasoning skills), staying current with the material being discussed and, consequently, getting more long-term benefit from the class.
Allowance is built into the design of the participation mark for students, without penalty, not to participate in up to three of the scheduled lectures or tutorials for reasons not recognized by the university as acceptable exemptions from assessment (e.g. medical grounds or where there are exceptional circumstances - http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2995 ). Please do not contact the lecturer if you are absent from a class unless you will be applying for one of the University acceptable exemptions to assessment.
Some important lectures/tutorials will be weighted "double" compared to the others. Lectures/Tutorials that fit into this category will be identified one week before the lecture/tutorial. The "Lecture and Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria" described at the bottom of the Assessment section provides the criteria.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
First Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
17/04/2025 2:00 pm
Topics available on 24 March
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L08, L09
Task description
1,150 word philosophy essay.
In line with the norm in Philosophy articles and books you essay should be written in the first person. In your essay you must critically engage with and evaluate arguments rather the just explain them and you must critically evaluate at least some objection to your argument.
It is important at the beginning of your essay that you clearly set out the focus and scope of your argument. As you go along, it is often advantageous to flag some relevant arguments/claims that you are not going to address in detail.
If the focus of the essay you are intending to write has some distance from the material we have covered in class then please consult the tutor or lecturer to get prior approval before starting to write your essay.
There is an option to do the essay with one or two other students in the course. This is only an option - adopting this option is done solely via private voluntary arrangements between students. Group work is not a required part of the course and is not taught in this course. This option though gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively on their essays if they wish to. Students who choose to work together on their first essay are not required to do so on their second essay (and vice versa). Also, students are free to work with different partners on their second essay if they choose to. Students who choose to submit an essay jointly will receive an identical mark for the jointly submitted essay. The essay length will be 1,350 words if two students are submitting, and 1,550 words if three students are submitting.
The name of the electronic file for your assignment and the title you submit through Blackboard should be the topic number and then your name (or names, if in a group), i.e. “Topic 2, Joe Blogs”. The actual wording of the question should not be typed on your assignment (these are simple requirements and if you do not comply with it you will lose a mark)
Make sure you check, via your wordprocessor program. the word count of your paper to ensure it is within the required word limit (quotations and substantive footnotes count towards the word limit, bibliographies do not).
The assignments are designed so that you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject material, your analytical ability to reflect critically and evaluate the substantive arguments contained in the readings and lectures. A detailed guide for philosophy assignment preparation will be made available on the Blackboard site for this course. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with School policy regarding academic advice, assessment, plagiarism, etc.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Draft Core Argument for Final Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 3%
- Due date
16/05/2025 - 23/05/2025
Due: 2pm 16 May for topics covered up 28 April
Due: 2pm 23 May for topics covered up 26 May
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L09, L10
Task description
500 word Draft of the Core Argument for Final Research Essay.
Submit a 500 word draft of the core argument for your Final Essay. There is no need to properly reference the draft (the final essay will need to be properly referenced of course). There is no need to provide any introduction/context etc. There is no need to provide an outline of your overall essay. There is no need to have well-edited prose (for instance, some use of dot points is fine). You are required simply to state your core thesis and to give the draft central argument for it. Students who have decided to submit a final essay jointly: 600 words Three students submitting: 700 words.
3 marks: Exhibits a well-developed core argument for the final research essay.
2 marks: Exhibits a developed core argument for the final research essay.
1 mark: Needs considerably more work in order to have a core argument for the final research essay.
0 marks: No substantial argument submitted.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
9/06/2025 2:00 pm
Topics available on 28 April
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07, L09, L10
Task description
1,650 word philosophy essay.
In line with the norm in Philosophy articles and books you essay should be written in the first person. In your essay you must critically engage with and evaluate arguments rather the just explain them and you must critically evaluate at least some objection to your argument.
It is important at the beginning of your essay that you clearly set out the focus and scope of your argument. As you go along, it is often advantageous to flag some relevant arguments/claims that you are not going to address in detail.
If the focus of the essay you are intending to write has some distance from the material we have covered in class then please consult the tutor or lecturer to get prior approval before starting to write your essay.
There is an option to do the essay with one or two other students in the course. This is only an option - adopting this option is done solely via private voluntary arrangements between students. Group work is not a required part of the course and is not taught in this course. This option though gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively on their essays if they wish to. Students who choose to work together on their first essay are not required to do so on their second essay (and vice versa). Also, students are free to work with different partners on their second essay if they choose to. Students who choose to submit an essay jointly will receive an identical mark for the jointly submitted essay. The essay length will be 1,900 words if two students are submitting, and 2,100 words if three students are submitting.
The name of the electronic file for your assignment and the title you submit through Blackboard should be the topic number and then your name (or names, if in a group), i.e. “Topic 2, Joe Blogs”. The actual wording of the question should not be typed on your assignment (these are simple requirements and if you do not comply with it you will lose a mark)
Make sure you check, via your wordprocessor program. the word count of your paper to ensure it is within the required word limit (quotations and substantive footnotes count towards the word limit, bibliographies do not).
The assignments are designed so that you can demonstrate your understanding of the subject material, your analytical ability to reflect critically and evaluate the substantive arguments contained in the readings and lectures. A detailed guide for philosophy assignment preparation will be made available on the Blackboard site for this course. Students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with School policy regarding academic advice, assessment, plagiarism, etc.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Turnitin on Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 1,ﾠFails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: Grade 1, Low Fail (0-24%), is generally awarded in cases where some assessment has been submitted, but it is of wholly unsatisfactory standard or quantity. In work submitted, however, there is no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts of the field of study or basic requirements of the course.</p> |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 2, Fail:ﾠDemonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: Grade 2, Fail (25-44%), is generally awarded to work that exhibits deficiencies in understanding and applying the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study, and as such, does not satisfy the basic requirements of the course. Often, one or more major items of assessment will not have been completed.</p> |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Grade 3,ﾠDemonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: Grade 3, Marginal Fail (45-49%), is generally awarded if a student has submitted work that attempts to meet the knowledge and skill requirements of the course, but is only able to demonstrate a superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. Students will usually have attempted all major pieces of assessment and show that they have an identifiable, emerging ability to apply basic knowledge and skills. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 4, Pass:ﾠDemonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Grade 4, Pass (50-64%), is generally awarded where all major items of assessment have been submitted. An adequate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study should be demonstrated and a functional skill level achieved.</p> |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 5, Credit:ﾠDemonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline:= Grade 5, Credit (65-74%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and a substantial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 6, As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Grade 6, Distinction (75-84%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and substantial knowledge of the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been demonstrated. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Grade 7, High Distinction:ﾠAs for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: Grade 7, High Distinction (85-100%), is generally awarded where all items of assessment have been completed and there is evidence that the deeper and more complex aspects of the course and field of study have been mastered. |
Additional course grading information
Essay Assessment Criteria (Philosophy)
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Ability to define the topic or philosophical issue under debate. (Topic definition.)
2. Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument for a certain point of view. (Argument and Structure.)
3. Depth and breadth of understanding of the various positions in a philosophical debate. (Scope and Depth of Treatment)
4. Insight and/or originality in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument. (Originality)
5. Capacity to produce a polished, well-written and appropriately referenced essay. (Presentation)
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your essay should reflect an exceptional level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken extensive, high-level research, that you are able to form a very rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is original and creative. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate and organise data and/or evidence in a critical manner and that you have a sophisticated and insightful understanding of problems and issues. Your essay will be very well written, clear and concise, pay strict attention to discipline conventions and have minimal, if any errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 85-100%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84%), your essay should reflect an advanced level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken wide research, that you are able to form a rigorous, well-organised argument, and that your discussion is coherent and convincing. It should also demonstrate that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a perceptive manner, and that your understanding of problems and issues is perceptive and insightful. Your essay will be well written, clear and concise, follow discipline conventions and have few errors in referencing, expression, grammar, spelling and punctuation: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 75-84%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%) your essay should reflect a proficient level of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have undertaken the expected level of research, that you are able to develop or adapt convincing arguments and justify them adequately, that you are able to evaluate data and/or evidence in a proficient manner, and that you have a good understanding of problems and issues. The presentation and referencing of your essay will largely follow discipline conventions, perhaps have some errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation, and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 65-74%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your essay should reflect functional achievement. It should demonstrate that you are able to apply fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research and have the basic ability to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, to offer insights and to develop routine arguments. Your organisation, writing, referencing, spelling and grammar will be adequate and use some of the discipline conventions to communicate appropriately: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 50-64%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%), your essay should reflect developing levels of achievement. It should demonstrate that you have a superficial knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills, that you have undertaken a basic level of research, made some attempt to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and to offer insights. Your arguments, while underdeveloped, show your emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills. Your organisation, writing, spelling and grammar will be adequate, perhaps poor, and your referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may, in part, be well written and suggest human engagement and achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) mostly exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) mostly fail, in a manner characteristic of generative AI text, to develop a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 45-49%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%) your essay will reflect deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent. Alternatively, your essay may suggest developing or higher achievement but (whether actually developed with the help of AI or not) will (a) exhibit the stereotypical and/or superficial understanding that is characteristic of generative AI text and/or (b) may fail to develop, in a way that is characteristic of generative AI text, a sustained (multi-layered) argument: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 25-44%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your essay will reflect minimal evidence of achievement, and exhibit deficiencies in skill acquisition and in your understanding of the fundamental concepts of the course. It will demonstrate that you have not undertaken adequate research, that you are unable to evaluate data and/or evidence, to identify problems and issues, and/or to offer insights adequately. Your arguments will be unsupported and/or inappropriate, your organisation and writing will be poor and/or inappropriate, and referencing and use of discipline conventions poor/and or inconsistent: This grade is assigned for a total (sum of all the assessment components) in the range 1-24%. See assessment components for specific grading criteria.
Grade X: No assessable work received.
Lecture and Tutorial Participation Assessment Criteria
Your lecture and tutorial participation will be assessed according to the following criteria:
1. Evidence of participation in discussions.
2. Evidence of preparation for the tutorial, most notably through completing the set readings.
3. Quality of contributions to discussions.
4. Fostering of group discussions, through courteous and respectful interactions with staff and students.
5. Attendance is necessary to fulfill the above criteria, as per the course requirements, but marks cannot be awarded for attendance alone.
To achieve a grade of 7 (High Distinction, 85-100%), your attendance will be flawless and your participation exceptional. This grade reflects exceptional levels of preparation, mastery of course materials, and very high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers very effectively.
To achieve a grade of 6 (Distinction, 75-84) your attendance will be excellent and your participation very substantial. This grade reflects excellent levels of preparation, knowledge of course materials, and high quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions. You should be able to engage with your peers effectively.
To achieve a grade of 5 (Credit, 65 – 74%), your attendance and participation will be good. This grade reflects proficient levels of preparation, good knowledge of course materials, and good quality contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.
To achieve a grade of 4 (Pass, 50 – 64%) your attendance and participation will be satisfactory. This grade reflects adequate levels of preparation and knowledge of course materials, and an acceptable quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.
To achieve a grade of 3 (Marginal Fail, 45 – 49%) your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation and superficial knowledge of course materials and basic levels of preparation. However, when in attendance, there is evidence of your ability to demonstrate developing achievement in contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.
To achieve a grade of 2 (Fail, 25-44%), your attendance and participation will be very unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, minimal knowledge of course materials, little evidence of preparation, and mixed to low quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.
To achieve a grade of 1 (Low Fail, 0-24%), your attendance and participation will be unsatisfactory. This grade reflects irregular attendance and/or participation, an no evidence of preparation, and little or no evidence of quality of contributions to, and fostering of, group discussions.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
•ﾠ Assessment tasks for this course evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
•ﾠ Failure to submit all major assessment items (those worth 15% and above) will result in a maximum grade of 2 (Fail).
•ﾠ By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration: ‘I certify that this assignment is my own work, created without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment’.
•ﾠ All students must ensure that they receive their Turnitin receipt on every submission of assessment items. YOU MUST CHECK THAT THE RECEIPT CONFIRMS THAT SUBMISSION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
•ﾠ A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard School late penalty, or after 7 calendar days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can confirm the outage with ITS.
•ﾠ It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are submitting assessment items on a device that is capable of the task, and that appropriate internet bandwidth and speed is available. If you cannot be sure that your device or internet will enable you to complete or submit an assessment task, you must come onto campus and use one of the University Computers in the Library or Computer Labs.
•ﾠ Plagiarism, and asking or paying someone else to do your work is cheating and constitutes academic misconduct. See ECP Section 6.1
•ﾠ Feedback against the assessment criteria in the form of comments on your script will be provided through Turnitin or on your script directly.
•ﾠ For information on assessment remarks see: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
The course has an ongoing Blackboard site which you will need to access weekly for lecture notes and announcements. Lecture notes, announcements, etc. displayed ﾠon the computer during lectures will normally be available on Tuesday each week.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 2 |
Lecture |
Introduction Introduction to Political Philosophy and Applied Ethics |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Welfarism and Utilitarianism Welfarism and Utilitarianism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Lecture |
Utilitarianism, QALYs Operationalizing Utilitarianism: QALYs; See Blackboard for background readings. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L08 |
Multiple weeks From Week 5 To Week 6 |
Lecture |
Rights and Utility; Reflective Equlibrium The relation of rights to utility; Reflective Equilibrium Methodology Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 6 To Week 7 |
Lecture |
Rawls' Political Philosophy The Political Philosophy of John Rawls Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 8 |
Lecture |
Egalitarianism Egalitarianism; Equality and Pareto Optimality Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Liberalism, The Harm Principle and Liberal Feminism; Globalization Liberalism, The Harm Principle and Liberal Feminism; Globalization Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L06, L10 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Libertarianism Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Left Libertarianism; Libertarianism and Intellectual Property Left Libertarianism; Libertarianism Case Study: Intellectual Property, Patents and Copyrights. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06, L07 |
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Review; Essay Discussion Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.