Undergraduate (3rd and 4th years)
The URLs, account and classroom informations have been removed to prevent the leakage of internal information for online classes.
Last updated at Oct 17, 2025.
Class plans and classrooms are subject to change, so be sure to check UTAS for the latest information.
If you do not have access to the UTAS, please contact your instructor or academic affairs office.
Last updated at Oct 17, 2025.
Class plans and classrooms are subject to change, so be sure to check UTAS for the latest information.
If you do not have access to the UTAS, please contact your instructor or academic affairs office.
Liberal Arts for Advanced Students III
Political philosophy in practice
This course explores key concepts and conceptions in political philosophy that are relevant to contemporary societies. Our societies are often not well-ordered, allowing even the unreasonable to hold political power, even in so-called "liberal democratic" societies. Given this reality, it is crucial to examine the existence of political obligation - whether there is a duty to obey laws and institutions - as well as the legitimacy of public and social policies and the role of justice and freedom. This course addresses these fundamental questions through a careful study of political philosophy.
Code
Course title
Lecturer
Semester
Period
08X0006
FAS-XA4A06L3
Liberal Arts for Advanced Students III
INOUE Akira
Wed 3rd
Add to My List
Remove from My List
Language
English
Credit
2
Lecturers with practical experience
NO
Other Faculty
YES
Course Offered by
Arts and Sciences
Schedule
Each section focuses on theoretical arguments based on an important concept in political philosophy. Each section consists of three 90-minute classes.
Section 1: Political obligation
Section 2: Public reason
Section 3: Justice
Section 4: Freedom
Teaching Methods
A combination of lecture and discussion. Even a discussion-based class begins with a brief introduction to the topic, followed by a presentation, and then class discussion. In a discussion-based class, students must read assigned papers and have an assigned presenter.
Method of Evaluation
Class participation in discussion: 40%
Final essay: 60% (日本語可).
Required Textbook
None. However, if you are not familiar with political philosophy, it is highly recommended that you read the following book in advance.
David Miller, Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.
https://global.oup.com/*****
(日本語訳あり)
https://www.iwanami.co.jp/*****
Reference Books
Notified in classes.
Notes on Taking the Course
Students must actively participate in each class, especially in discussions. Students must read assigned materials before class.
Others
日本語でのサポートも適宜します
