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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Moral Foundations of Politics by Yale University

4.9
stars
5,588 ratings

About the Course

When do governments deserve our allegiance, and when should they be denied it? This course explores the main answers that have been given to this question in the modern West. We start with a survey of the major political theories of the Enlightenment: Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition. In each case, we begin with a look at classical formulations, locating them in historical context, but then shift to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today. Next, we turn to the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations. The last part of the course deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking. In addition to exploring theoretical differences among the various authors discussed, considerable attention is devoted to the practical implications of their competing arguments. To this end, we discuss a variety of concrete problems, including debates about economic inequality, affirmative action and the distribution of health care, the limits of state power in the regulation of speech and religion, and difficulties raised by the emerging threat of global environmental decay....

Top reviews

MS

Sep 16, 2015

excellant work dont by Dr Ian Shapiro and staff on putting such a mind turning,thought provoking MOOC on a complex and ever controversial subject known as POLITICS!..I hope to see more from them soon

SS

Jul 1, 2020

The lectures are easy to understand, the reading materials informative. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and any beginner will be able to grasp the technicalities of Moral Politics after this Course.

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426 - 450 of 1,049 Reviews for Moral Foundations of Politics

By James M

Jan 6, 2021

Supercritical it makes you think of the evolution of our modern politics from moral perspectives

By Adam B

May 7, 2020

A great introduction to key political theories delivered in a relaxed and easy to follow manner.

By MUNYABUGINGO I

Jul 15, 2020

Every country should found it politic on morality of its people in order to get a general will.

By Benedito A d C

Nov 2, 2017

Excelent course. Clear questions and good didactic background. Good organanization of thoughts.

By Ruchira J

Apr 30, 2020

The course is useful for beginners to clear doubts about the rudiments of political structure.

By Marjori P

Nov 27, 2018

I am utterly enjoying the content of this course. The best produced course in Coursera by far.

By Yadaris M

Feb 1, 2021

Excelente curso!!! muchas gracias por compartirlo de forma gratuita.

Saludes desde Nicaragua.

By lpzajfen

Jun 14, 2020

Wonderful; would have been a great to interact with Professor Shapiro, impossible as that is.

By Jason T

Aug 6, 2020

Interesting class, the professor is amazing as he gave many thoughtful ideas to think about.

By Samuel G

Jan 13, 2017

I very much enjoyed this course. It gave me a fresh look at our current political situation.

By Mrs. A A K H

Nov 8, 2015

Comprehensive course encompassing multiple facets of historical and international relevance.

By Jovanny P G

Feb 14, 2020

Excelente dinámica la del profesor Ian!!! Bastante bien estructurado y ademas fundamentado.

By Steban N

Jul 21, 2017

Thanks Professor Shapiro, This World could be better if people read you. thank you so much.

By Vernon G

Sep 18, 2015

Very challenging particularly as the modules unfold but the lectures and readings are good.

By Alexandre d L C T

Sep 7, 2020

A great course which made me capable of a deeper understanding about political philosophy.

By El n d F

Jun 17, 2020

Excelente curso, ahora tengo muchas lecturas para alimentar mi mente durante mucho tiempo.

By 柏佑 陳

Nov 24, 2015

This topic is overwhelmingly interested, and the professor also makes everything so clear.

By Anushna G

Sep 26, 2020

It was really informative and has expanded my horizons of thinking. I am really thankful!

By Andreas N

May 13, 2020

Very fruitful course for those who want to know about the role of philosophy in politics.

By Mario O

Feb 24, 2020

Excellente course, it helped me to refresh and gain new knowledge about the enlightenment

By Cynthia M

Sep 8, 2018

Helpful grounding in politics and philosophy, especially relevant in these chaotic times.

By Hadeel N

Feb 21, 2016

The Professor is absolutely magnificent. I am enjoying every minute of these discussions.

By StephenH@47

Aug 11, 2020

Has really helped me put names to some of the great ideas of politics -- and vice versa.

By Soha K

Aug 9, 2020

An amazing course, with thorough, well-explained concepts! I couldn't recommend it more!

By Felix O

Aug 25, 2023

Great Teachings of Political Philosophy , tons of content and interesting conversation!