This course investigates the central problems of political theory that concern the justification of democracy. Is democratic rule the uniquely just form of collective decision-making? What political institutions best express the democratic values of equality, freedom, deliberation, and participation? What are the moral responsibilities of citizens – whose representatives exercise political power in their name? Is democracy a human right? How do themes of race and globalization intersect with democratic theory? Readings integrate contemporary work in political philosophy from thinkers ranging from Chris Lebron to Karuna Mantena with canonical thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, W.E.B. DuBois, John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Judith Shklar, and Charles Mills. Sections will be structured with thematic focus areas, and students will be asked to rank choices: options will include federalism and equality; civic agency; and race and democracy.
Offered: Harvard University, Spring 2017 and Spring 2018
Position: Head Teaching Fellow for Prof. Eric Beerbohm (2017) and Prof. Danielle Allen (2018)