DOCSLIB.ORG

Proquest Dissertations

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Proquest Dissertations The Ethics of Recognition in International Relations: A Global and Cross-Cultural Perspective By Mahmoud Masaeli A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario ©2010 Mahmoud Masaeli Library and Archives Bibliotheque et 1*1 Canada Archives Canada Published Heritage Direction du Branch Patrimoine de I'edition 395 Wellington Street 395, rue Wellington OttawaONK1A0N4 Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada Canada Your file Votre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-79627-6 Our file Notre reference ISBN: 978-0-494-79627-6 NOTICE: AVIS: The author has granted a non­ L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive exclusive license allowing Library and permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Archives Canada to reproduce, Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public communicate to the public by par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, preter, telecommunication or on the Internet, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans le loan, distribute and sell theses monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur worldwide, for commercial or non­ support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou commercial purposes, in microform, autres formats. paper, electronic and/or any other formats. The author retains copyright L'auteur conserve la propriete du droit d'auteur ownership and moral rights in this et des droits moraux qui protege cette these. Ni thesis. Neither the thesis nor la these ni des extraits substantiels de celle-ci substantial extracts from it may be ne doivent etre imprimes ou autrement printed or otherwise reproduced reproduits sans son autorisation. without the author's permission. In compliance with the Canadian Conformement a la loi canadienne sur la Privacy Act some supporting forms protection de la vie privee, quelques may have been removed from this formulaires secondares ont ete enleves de thesis. cette these. While these forms may be included Bien que ces formulaires aient inclus dans in the document page count, their la pagination, il n'y aura aucun contenu removal does not represent any loss manquant. of content from the thesis. 14-1 Canada The Ethics of Recognition in International Relations A Global and Cross-Cultural Perspective Abstract Recognition is a concept that has recently been employed by political thinkers in the analysis and addressing of the growing demand for recognition by those who have been marked racially, sexually, culturally, and ethnically as different Such a demand -has been launched in a number of strands in contemporary politics both in domestic and international spheres. Central to the demand - the struggle - for recognition is the idea that unwillingness to recognize the equal worth of different others give way to exclusion and oppression, and consequently to injustice. Recognition is not only a vital need for formation of the sense of personhood, but it is also a necessary condition for a just life-world: recognition as justice. In other words, recognition, in its fullest sense, is both an authentic way of expressing the sense of nationhood/statehood, and an operative concept in the liberation from patterns of social devaluation, exclusion, and invisible forms of repression. The most relevant to the conception of recognition is the impacts of the process of globalization on enhancing the scope of the public sphere, and more specifically, providing opportunity for the marginalized and silenced forces to become conscious of their unequal share in the life-world. This consciousness motivates the struggle for recognition through democratization of the public sphere both internally and internationally. Indeed, in the globalizing world, where a common destiny is being experienced, the struggle for recognition is further heated by implication, and theoretically, advances the possibility of a more effective participation in global governance. In light of these observations, the argument must be advanced that the full recognition of nations/states must be considered as the most basic expression of their selfhood/nationhood. By addressing the increasing demand for a more inclusive international relation, theorizing of recognition also gives urgency to the removal of the patterns of exclusion and oppression. Theorizing recognition involves an examination of the historical backgrounds in which the different senses of nationhood/statehood have been developed. Such differences must not become the subject of the already dominant arrangements in the life-world if a democratically more transparent and just international public sphere must be achieved. In other words, by acknowledging such differences, the theory of recognition has potentials to accommodate cross cultural/ethical divisions and bring disparate voices together in a more participatory and inclusive manner. 1 Acknowledgment I owe completion of this dissertation to the following professors, whose comments and recommendations prevented me from falling down in intellectual pitfalls I express my thanks to them (In the alphabetical order]: 1. Rajaee, Farhang 2. Robinson, Fiona 3. Schmidt, Brian n Table of the Contents: Abstract Acknowledgment Introduction 1 Scholarly Background 11 The Plan of Research 15 Chapter 1: Globalization and Recognition 18 The Globalization Debate 24 Transformationalist Thesis and the Issue of Recognition 26 Glocalization: A Different Transformative Thesis 38 Globalization and the Backdrop of Reflexive Modernity 45 Globalization: Exclusion or Inclusion 50 Chapter 2: Difference and Recognition in International Political Theory 59 Part One: The Question of Difference in Liberal Normative Tradition 60 Part Two: Acknowledgment of Difference in Alternative Approaches 74 Liberal-Communitarian Debate and Questions of Difference 79 Difference in Post-Foundationalist Perspectives 86 Critical International Relations Theory and Appreciation of Difference 95 Chapter 3: Beyond Mere Respect: Towards the Politics of Recognition 110 Theory of Recognition 113 The Politics of Recognition of Difference: Taylor's Account 128 Dialogue over Recognition of Identity 139 A Recognition-based Approach to Justice 146 Recognition and Socio-Political Solidarity 156 Chapter 4: Toward an Ethics of Recognition in International Relations 160 Dilemma of Non-Recognition and Power 165 Recognition as Justice 174 Civil Society Helping Recognition as Justice 179 Recognition, Justice, and Solidarity 193 Conclusion 196 Bibliography 208 Cm] Introduction The importance of recognition is now universally acknowledged in one form or another; on an intimate plane, we are aware of how identity can be formed or malformed through the course of our contact with significant others. On the social plane, we have a continuing politics of recognition of equal recognition. Both planes have been shaped by the growing ideal of authenticity, and recognition plays an essential role in the culture that has arisen around this ideal. Charles Taylor, "The Politics of Recognition", p. 232. This thesis is concerned with the ethics of recognition in International Relations.11 use recognition, here, to convey something more substantive than conventional/legal usage of the concept prevalent in both International Relations and International Law. I propose substantive recognition instead that is a meaningful acknowledgment of all voices that are either ignored or suppressed and still or are not articulated. Therefore, my use of recognition differs from the practice of "constitutive recognition" of statehood through which political entities receive international rights and obligations when they are recognized by other states as states. It is also different from "declaratory recognition" which considers autonomy and independence as necessary conditions for the actualization of the state. In the declaratory account of recognition i.e., the realist view, statehood depends on the active application of authority over a given territory. In the liberal account of recognition, statehood depends not only on the ability to control actors and activities within national boundaries, but also the ability to display it beyond its borders. Indeed, the latter demands the state's ability to cope with internationally generated problems and issues 1 In writing this thesis I have been inspired by Charles Taylor's account of recognition of difference. See Charles Taylor, "The Politics of Recognition," in Philosophical Arguments (Cambridge, Harvard University Press. 1977]. 1 effectively. In both cases, recognition is a matter of benefit calculation via the lenses of legal considerations, since both perspectives understand statehood in terms of the principle of sovereignty. My purpose in this dissertation is to go beyond the narrowness of both liberalism and realism and explore how those who have been misrecognized or non-recognized by these dominant discourses of recognition, and consequently have been excluded from the discourse of international life, might be acknowledged and counted. In this sense recognition is not a legal framework but a substantive institution facilitating the active participation of all states on equal terms with all other players. In the practice of current international law, although states of different social and constitutional systems might be legally recognized what is lacking in international relations is a meaningful sense of membership. That is to say, merely counted in the
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Political Ethics About the Phenomenon of Politics in Its Interaction with Morality
    SHS Web of Conferences 55, 05002 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20185505002 ICPSE 2018 Political ethics about the phenomenon of politics in its interaction with morality Marina Shirokova1,* 1Altai State University, 656049, 61a Lenina ave., Barnaul, Russia. Abstract. The article considers the reasons for the formation of political ethics as a science and a discipline. Its appearance was caused by the crisis of the state domestic and foreign policies in the 1960s and 1970s, the collapse of value orientations in the public consciousness, as well as the loss of the authority of politics in the eyes of society. All this led to a steadily high interest in ethical issues and criticism of politics from a moral standpoint. The author traces the evolution of the interpretation of the concept of politics from antiquity to our days. Like all human activities, politics needs values and the axiological system. But in the modern world, the dehumanization of politics is taking place. Thus, the issue of restoring ties between politics and morality is largely a matter of continuing existence and prospects for human development. 1 Introduction Political ethics was introduced as a discipline some time ago into the structure of higher education in Political Science. Its appearance is due to the processes of differentiation of modern political science, as well as the pressing demands of life. The concept of political ethics as an area of political knowledge was first developed in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century by representatives of sociological and anthropological approaches to politics. In the works of M.
    [Show full text]
  • 2020 Ipm 18 / Yl 2018
    INSIGHTSIAS MAINS TEST SERIES - 2020 IPM 18 / YL 2018: GS – 4: Synopsis SECTION-A 1. Differentiate between the following: a. Probity and integrity Integrity is defined as the moral uprightness and firm adherence to the morals and values we subscribe for. Probity is an indication of incorruptibility and ethical behavior that involves honesty, propriety, integrity and decency underpinned by higher standards of professionalism. Both terms are not only used together but are even interchanged. But the use of the two words will entirely change the meaning of what is being said. Integrity is the voluntary adherence to morals and ethical values, it means the rock soild capacity to not give up our standards at any cost. Hence it is voluntary. Probity is not voluntary, it is enforced. There exists a mechanism which ensures probity and ethical behavior under such condition is called probity. Integrity is related to personal sphere of the life whereas probity is about professional sphere of life. Eg. An honest civil servant might practice probity in public life but might not be so in personal life. Like engaging in adultery Integrity is perceived by ourselves whereas probity is perceived by others. Probity is monitored, integrity is self-assessed and mostly not assessed at all. Integrity is realized in public services by recruiting right people eg. Integrity tests, whereas probity needs enforceable mechanisms like: Code of ethics, Code of conduct, Annual Review, Social audit, etc., No code is of utility if the heart is impure, it is hard to achieve probity in a person without integrity. Hence, probity has limited capacity to be realized in comparison with integrity.
    [Show full text]
  • Augustine and the Art of Ruling in the Carolingian Imperial Period
    Augustine and the Art of Ruling in the Carolingian Imperial Period This volume is an investigation of how Augustine was received in the Carolingian period, and the elements of his thought which had an impact on Carolingian ideas of ‘state’, rulership and ethics. It focuses on Alcuin of York and Hincmar of Rheims, authors and political advisers to Charlemagne and to Charles the Bald, respectively. It examines how they used Augustinian political thought and ethics, as manifested in the De civitate Dei, to give more weight to their advice. A comparative approach sheds light on the differences between Charlemagne’s reign and that of his grandson. It scrutinizes Alcuin’s and Hincmar’s discussions of empire, rulership and the moral conduct of political agents during which both drew on the De civitate Dei, although each came away with a different understanding. By means of a philological–historical approach, the book offers a deeper reading and treats the Latin texts as political discourses defined by content and language. Sophia Moesch is currently an SNSF-funded postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oxford, working on a project entitled ‘Developing Principles of Good Govern- ance: Latin and Greek Political Advice during the Carolingian and Macedonian Reforms’. She completed her PhD in History at King’s College London. Augustine and the Art of Ruling in the Carolingian Imperial Period Political Discourse in Alcuin of York and Hincmar of Rheims Sophia Moesch First published 2020 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN and by Routledge 52 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business Published with the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
    [Show full text]
  • Basic Ethical Terms of Confucianism
    ROCZNIKI TEOLOGICZNE Volume LXIV, issue 3 – 2017 English version DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18290/rt.2017.64.3–4en ∗ REV. SŁAWOMIR NOWOSAD BASIC ETHICAL TERMS OF CONFUCIANISM Abstract. Confucianism has been a leading Chinese philosophical and ethical tradition for a long time. Not just Confucius himself but also Mencius and Xunzi contributed to its de- velopment over the centuries. In this paper the principal ethical notions of Confucianism–junzi , dao , ren and li – are characterized in their rich essence and unique context. Though ostensibly having much in common, those concepts can be paralleled to the Western ones only with difficulty and to a limited extent. Key words: Confucianism; Confucian ethics; junzi ; dao ; ren ; li . Among the philosophical systems of Chinese antiquity, Confucianism ap- pears to be the most common one, permanently shaping mentality and cus- toms of many societies.1 Despite many years of efforts to introduce atheism to Chinese society in the 20 th century and despite attempts to eradicate Con- fucian values and norms of life, Confucian system has, to some extent, re- mained present as a philosophy of thinking and ethics of acting. Confucius (551–479 BC), who gave name and started this system, lived in the final stage of the restless Spring and Autumn period (8 th—5th century BC), during the reign of the Zhou dynasty.2 He was a teacher and educator, a philosopher and publisher. He was also engaged in politics, performing the function of the Minister of Crime. He was familiar with music and poetry. Confucius ∗ Rev. Dr hab. SŁAWOMIR NOWOSAD , prof.
    [Show full text]
  • Religion, Ethics, and Poetics in a Tamil Literary Tradition
    Tacit Tirukku#a#: Religion, Ethics, and Poetics in a Tamil Literary Tradition The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters Citation Smith, Jason William. 2020. Tacit Tirukku#a#: Religion, Ethics, and Poetics in a Tamil Literary Tradition. Doctoral dissertation, Harvard Divinity School. Citable link https://nrs.harvard.edu/URN-3:HUL.INSTREPOS:37364524 Terms of Use This article was downloaded from Harvard University’s DASH repository, and is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http:// nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of- use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
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 6 After Levinas: the Risk of Irresponsible Responsibility
    Chapter 6 After Levinas: The risk of irresponsible responsibility It should be clear from the preceding discussion that for Levinas the dos- sier on humanism could be reopened only on the condition that human- ism is radically re-conceived. But how radical, how new and, above all, how desirable is Levinas’ post-anti-humanist humanism? The present Chapter seeks to submit Levinas’ thought on the alterity of the other – the corner stone of his humanism – to critical examination. In accor- dance with the line of interrogation demarcated for this book, the focus will be on how the political implications of Levinas’ philosophy are to be assessed. In the light of the critique that will be developed here, the question of thinking responsibility in its political dimension “after” Levinas, will ensue from this examination. As a first orientation to the problems of gauging the political impli- cations of Levinas’ ethics, two insightful essays by two eminent Levinas readers will be presented. By juxtaposing the divergent reading of Marion and Bernasconi, the perilous nature of this undertaking will be signalled. 1 UNIVERSALISM AND PARTICULARISM: MARION AND BERNASCONI Humanism, according to the conviction articulated in Humanism of the other, is the defence of the idea that all meaning is orientated by the appeal of the other, of the other that bears the alterity of not being reducible to the subject’s ontologico-hermeutic existence. 148 | POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR A GLOBALISED WORLD That is why the “best way of encountering the other, is not even to notice the colour of his/her eyes! When one observes the colour of the eyes, one is not in social relationship with the other.
    [Show full text]
  • Morality and Ethics in Politics in the Contemporary Societies Ristovski, Ljupco
    www.ssoar.info Morality and ethics in politics in the contemporary societies Ristovski, Ljupco Veröffentlichungsversion / Published Version Zeitschriftenartikel / journal article Empfohlene Zitierung / Suggested Citation: Ristovski, L. (2017). Morality and ethics in politics in the contemporary societies. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs, 2(3), 83-93. https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-50067-5 Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Dieser Text wird unter einer CC BY Lizenz (Namensnennung) zur This document is made available under a CC BY Licence Verfügung gestellt. Nähere Auskünfte zu den CC-Lizenzen finden (Attribution). For more Information see: Sie hier: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.de Journal of Liberty and International Affairs | Vol. 2, No. 3, 2017 | eISSN 1857-9760 Published online by the Institute for Research and European Studies at www.e-jlia.com © 2017 Ljupco Ristovski This is an open access article distributed under the CC-BY 3.0 License. Peer review method: Double-Blind Date of acceptance: December 23, 2016 Date of publication: January 18, 2017 Review article UDC 32:17]:316.323-027.18 Ljupco Ristovski INTEGRA - Institute for Virtues and Value Based Politics, Republic of Macedonia ristovski[at]integra.mk Abstract Morality and ethics are among the most influential factors affecting society’s development throughout history. There is a slight difference between the terms ethics and morality. Ethics derives from mankind’s experience throughout history and in actuality it represents the essence of the ethical rules and principles derived from the human understanding of the differentiation between good and evil.
    [Show full text]
  • Patrizia Nanz, Europolis. Constitutional Patriotism Beyond the Nation-State
    Il Mulino - Rivisteweb Jorg Friedrichs Patrizia Nanz, Europolis. Constitutional Pa- triotism beyond the Nation-State. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2006, 206 pp; Ital- ian transl. Europolis: Un’idea controcorrente di integrazione politica. Milano: Feltrinelli, 2009, 266 pp. (doi: 10.2383/31386) Sociologica (ISSN 1971-8853) Fascicolo 2-3, maggio-dicembre 2009 Ente di afferenza: () Copyright c by Societ`aeditrice il Mulino, Bologna. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Per altre informazioni si veda https://www.rivisteweb.it Licenza d’uso L’articolo `emesso a disposizione dell’utente in licenza per uso esclusivamente privato e personale, senza scopo di lucro e senza fini direttamente o indirettamente commerciali. Salvo quanto espressamente previsto dalla licenza d’uso Rivisteweb, `efatto divieto di riprodurre, trasmettere, distribuire o altrimenti utilizzare l’articolo, per qualsiasi scopo o fine. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Book reviews Patrizia Nanz, Europolis. Constitutional Patriotism beyond the Nation-State. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2006, 206 pp; Italian transl. Europolis: Un’idea controcorrente di integrazione politica. Milano: Feltrinelli, 2009, 266 pp. doi: 10.2383/31386 The claims of this book can be summarized as follows: Empathy leads to sympathy. The exploration of difference creates solidarity. Insofar as solidarity constitutes society, it can be called a society’s constitution. Europe is a case in point. It is a place where strangers explore their mutual differences. Europeans are endowed with reflexive iden- tities that are the result of myriad intercultural encounters. This is particularly true about migrants, whose intercultural literacy makes them prototypical Europeans. But it is true about Europeans in general. By virtue of their real or virtual intercultural encounters, Europeans are potentially equipped with the solidarity necessary for a constitutional patriotism beyond the nation-state.
    [Show full text]
  • The Future of Parliamentary Democracy: Transition and Challenge in European Governance”
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION SECRETARIAT GENERAL European Governance Team Brussels, 9 November 2000 AS/ D(2000) PAPER REVIEW “The Future of Parliamentary Democracy: Transition and Challenge in European Governance” Green Paper prepared for the Conference of the European Union Speakers of Parliament, September 2000 Background of Green Paper In 1997, the Conference of the European Union Speakers of Parliament established a working group to consider the theme of ‘quality of legislation’. This group was chaired by Luciano Violante, President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. In 1999, the working group presented its findings to the conference in a document entitled “The Complexity of Legislation and the Role of Parliaments in an Era of Globalization.” During 1999-2000 an expert group serving the EU Speakers’ working group prepared this Green Paper, which was presented to the Conference in September 2000. This group was chaired by Tom R. Burns, and included Carlo Jaeger, Angela Liberatore, Yves Meny, and Patrizia Nanz.1 The Paper highlights changes in modern society and recommends a new role for parliaments. It is interesting to note how the group’s emphasis shifted away from its original mandate to study quality legislation to a focus on how globalization has affected the political process. The Green Paper raises key issues that relate closely to several work areas of the Commission’s “White Paper on Governance.” These include the effects of globalization and scientific expertise on the democratic process, the development of a public space that involves civic actors in political debates, and the role of agencies in designing and implementing policy. The Green Paper could stimulate the thinking of multiple working groups, as it not only highlights the challenges facing policy-makers today but also offers initial solutions.
    [Show full text]
  • Theories of Justice
    Fall 2016 Theories of Justice Professor Pevnick ([email protected]) Office: 19 West 4th St., #326 Office Hours: Tuesday 9:30-11:30am or by appointment Course Description Political life is rife with conflict regarding issues of justice. This includes disputes regarding the legitimate role of government and the appropriate distribution of resources. Consider the following questions: • Is economic inequality unjust? Ever? Always? Why? • Is government justified in restricting your freedom if it does so in order to improve your life (by, say, banning large sodas, forcing you to wear a seatbelt, or making heroin illegal)? • Is it justifiable for the state to take the resources of wealthy citizens in order to benefit their poorer compatriots? Must the state do so in order to be legitimate? • How should a commitment to political equality guide attempts at campaign finance reform? • What are human rights? Where do they come from? Are they a culturally insensitive Western project? Since most of us hold views about the appropriate answers to such questions and believe that we can defend these views by providing reasons on their behalf, argument about questions of justice is an ordinary feature of political life. Political theory is, in two ways, the natural extension of such argument. First, by working such arguments out in more careful detail, political theorists hope to present stronger and more defensible versions of them—ones that can avoid the objections and errors to which our first inclinations may be vulnerable. Second, in answering such questions, we often rely on concepts – such as justice, rights, legitimacy, liberty, and equality – that can be understood in a wide variety of ways.
    [Show full text]
  • Crisis and Futures of Democracy
    Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies Press Invitation Crisis and Futures of Democracy A discussion with Charles Taylor and Patrizia Nanz on 11 December Potsdam, 1.12.2017. Modern Western democracy is undergoing a significant crisis. Public spheres and political communities are highly fractured. Right-wing populism is on the rise. Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor and German political scientist Patrizia Nanz will discuss the past, present, and future of the democratic subject, the ‘Homo Politicus’, and the shivering normative foundations of modern democracies. What institutional and social scenarios can be envisioned for the future? The IASS invites you to join the discussion: When: Monday, 11 December 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) Ballroom of the Kleist Villa, Berliner Strasse 130, 14467 Potsdam With: Charles Taylor is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He has held honorary positions at the universities of Princeton, Berkeley, Frankfurt a. M., and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He was Professor of Social and Political Theory at the University of Oxford, and is currently in Potsdam as Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS). Patrizia Nanz is Scientific Director at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) in Potsdam and Professor of Transformative Sustainability Studies at the University of Potsdam. Together with Claus Leggewie, she co-authored Die Konsultative. Mehr Demokratie durch Bürgerbeteiligung [The Consultative. More Democracy through Citizen Participation]. The discussion is moderated by Barbara Muraca, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Social Philosophy at Oregon State, USA, and Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS).
    [Show full text]
  • POLI-4340-110-Political Ethics
    POLI 4340 Political Ethics Section 110 - Fall 2018 6 PM - 9PM Wednesdays Founder’s Hall 304 Dr. Jeffrey Dixon Office: Founder’s Hall 217A Email: [email protected] Phone: (254) 501-5871 (email preferred) Office Hours: 4:15 - 5:45 PM MTWR or by appointment Catalog Description This course compares theories of political ethics from ancient times to the present. Special attention is given to the topics of justice and virtue. Course Overview and Objectives This course is the first of two mutually-supporting but independent courses on normative political theory. In this course, we examine whether and how theories of personal and political ethics should be applied to the political activity of leaders and ordinary subjects. The other course addresses the legitimacy of government and the sources of individual rights. The core objective of this course is for students to think critically about the values that influence their political views and behavior. The overlapping key questions that it prepares students to answer include: A. Should we do the right thing in political life? Why or why not? B. What is the distinction between right and wrong in politics, and how is that distinction intellectually justified? C. What are the ethical duties of just citizens and just leaders? This course meets face-to-face, with supplemental materials made available online through the Texas A&M-Central Texas Canvas Learning Management System [https://tamuct.instructure.com]. Learning Outcomes Learning Outcome 1: By the end of the course, students should be able to compare prominent theorists’ answers to questions A-C (both as general statements and as concrete solutions to hypothetical or historical choices) and defend one answer for each as better than the alternatives, using evidence and arguments from and about the course readings.
    [Show full text]