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 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-Theories of Justice (No longer available)

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

• MAQ-PHIX1031-The Philosophy of Human Nature

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 Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

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 (20%)
• Reflective writing (20%)
• Philosophical essay (40%)
• Quizzes (20%)

Current study term: 24 Jul 22 to 06 Nov 22