The problem of justice occupies a special place in contemporary political philosophy. In the words of its most influential figure, Rawls, "justice is the first virtue of social institutions". That view seems to be shared by a majority of authors and theories. However, there is no comparable agreement regarding what justice demands, from whom and to whom. Proponents of different theories disagree about the content of the demands of justice: does it demand equality, priority to the worst off, or merely sufficiency?
They also disagree about its currency: in what dimension should people be made equal: in their welfare, capabilities, resources, or something else? Likewise, there is disagreement about the scope of the demands of justice: is it people in general who owe and are owed the duties of justice to one another? Or is it only members of the same politically organized society? Another dispute concerns the kind of actors to which justice primarily applies: is it only social institutions that must discharge the demands of justice, or are the private choices of individuals equally under its application?These questions have utmost relevance for political philosophers. However, their importance spill over other disciplines. Given that many choices policy makers make are distributive in nature, it is not surprising that issues of justice appear in many other spheres.
The course will revise some contexts which raise important questions about justice: Most people agree that educational goods are important is shaping one's life prospects. But there is disagreement about how these ought to be distributed: How should educational opportunities be distributed? What is equal opportunity of education? What other competing values there are? Another important good that has enduring effects in people's life is health. Is health a special good, or is it one among others? If a person enjoys less health because of her previous actions should health care be sensitive to this fact?
How should empirical data and people's attitudes towards their health enter into decisions about just health care?Perhaps the most urgent problems we face right now have to do with environmental changes. Two different areas address problems towards the future: we will consider whether there is justice between generations. Egalitarians disagree about whether equality between generations is a value worth seeking. They also disagree about the 'span' of justice?
Should people be equal their whole life or at different points of their lives? If we think that we have some moral obligations towards future people, then the urgency of mitigating the adverse effects of climatic change becomes clear. Who should bear the costs of mitigating those effects? What is the value of the environment? Finally, we touch upon a long lasting controversy. Some people argue that some forms of taxation are unfair because they violate people's right to hold private property. We'll explore some controversies about it and different views that address this objection.
Period
04-07-2011 - 15-07-2011 (2 weeks)
Target group
Applications are invited from graduate students, postdocs, young faculty in Philosophy, Political Science, Public Policy, Law and Economics. Undergraduates without a university degree will not be considered. Pre-requisites: Participants are expected to have familiarity with Anglo-American political theory, especially with theories of justice.
Course aim
Given that many choices policy makers make are distributive in nature, it is not surprising that issues of justice appear in many different spheres. In addition to dealing with purely theoretical issues, the course will revise some contexts which raise important questions about justice: education, health care, environmental issues, taxation.
Credits
2.0 ECTS credits
Course fee
EUR 550: The tuition fee is due by May 28, 2011.The tuition fee includes participation in the summer course, some administrative costs, an orientation program and welcome pack, access to the CEU Library and IT facilities, reading materials, printing quota, and some social activities.
EUR 500: Early Bird fee (500 EUR) is available for tuition payment made by April 30, 2011.
Course leader
Andres Moles, CEU, Department of Political Science, Budapest, Hungary; Zoltan Miklosi, CEU, Department of Political Science, Budapest, Hungary
Scholarships
Financial aid is available in the following categories:- tuition waiver- accommodation grant- travel grant (full or partial)
Central European University Summer University
Address: 9 Nador Street
Postal code: 1051
City: Budapest
Country: Hungary
Website: http://www.summer.ceu.hu
E-mail: summeru@ceu.hu
Phone: 361 3273811
Justice: Theory and Applications
