Theories of Justice

• • Utilitarianism
  • Rawls Theory of Justice
  • Dworkin on Equality
  • Nozick's Libertarianism
  • Analytical Marxism
  • Feminism
  • Multiculturalism
  • Global Justice
  • Environmental Justice
  • Animal Justice

Equivalent subjects

You cannot enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:

• MAQ-PHI320
• MAQ-PHIX357-Theories of Justice

Others

You must complete some Level 1 and 2 studies before starting this subject. Prior study in Philosophy is recommended.

Special requirements

• OtherDetails -

  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 Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

This subject was previously known as PHI320, PHIX357 Theories of Justice.

What is justice? What is fair? This subject explores these important questions by examining several leading contemporary philosophical theories of justice, including John Rawls's influential theory of justice, and assessing the capacity of these theories to respond to pressing social issues. To do this we look at issues of inequality and diversity in society by asking: what degree of inequality, if any, can be justified? We explore the different answers to this question proposed by liberals, libertarians, and Marxists. We shall also examine broader questions around social and retributive justice, such as: How can we justify punishing those who violate justice? Should we focus more on the well-being of communities and less on the rights of individuals? Is justice biased against women? Should minorities receive special rights?What are the obligations of democratic citizenship? And what do we owe the poor in other countries?

• Participation (15%)
• Comparative Analysis (25%)
• Essay (40%)
• Quizzes (20%)