Theories of Justice
UndergraduateMAQ-PHIX30572025
Previously MAQ-PHIX357
Weigh up competing philosophical theories about justice and its role in society. Begin with John Rawls' bedrock theory of justice. Spearhead discussions about equality, multiculturalism and gender. Interrogate the obligations of democratic citizens.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 28 July 2025
- Price from
- $2,160
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Theories of Justice
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- understand some of the major theories and current debates in contemporary political philosophy.
- analyse arguments in the relevant literature
- evaluate relevant theories and arguments critically
- communicate clearly your own own perspective on the views and arguments presented in the subject.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials
This subject was previously known as PHI320, PHIX357 Theories of Justice.
What is justice? What is fairness? This unit explores these important questions by examining leading philosophical theories of justice, including John Rawls's influential model, as well as the main political approaches that are associated with them, such as liberalism, libertarianism, republicanism, and socialism. We assess the capacity of these theories and approaches to respond to pressing social justice issues. We focus on issues of inequality and diversity in society by asking: what degree of inequality, if any, can be justified? We also examine broader questions around social and retributive justice, such as: How can we justify punishing those who violate justice? What are the obligations of democratic citizenship? Is our society and its political institutions racist, sexist, or unfairly biased against cultural minorities? What do we owe the poor in other countries? And is our treatment of animals and the environment a matter of justice?
- Participation (25%)
- Case Study (35%)
- Philosophical essay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PHIX1032-Happiness, Goodness and Justice
- MAQ-PHIX1031-The Philosophy of Human Nature
- MAQ-PHIX1037-Critical Thinking
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PHI320 (Not currently available)
MAQ-PHIX357 (Not currently available)
Others
Pre-requisite
130cp at 1000 level or above
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PHI320, PHL357, PHIL357, PHIX357
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PHIL3057 Theories of Justice
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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