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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Moral Foundations of Politics by Yale University

4.9
stars
6,093 ratings

About the Course

When do governments deserve our allegiance, and when should they be denied it? This course explores the main answers that have been given to this question in the modern West. We start with a survey of the major political theories of the Enlightenment: Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition. In each case, we begin with a look at classical formulations, locating them in historical context, but then shift to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today. Next, we turn to the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations. The last part of the course deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking. In addition to exploring theoretical differences among the various authors discussed, considerable attention is devoted to the practical implications of their competing arguments. To this end, we discuss a variety of concrete problems, including debates about economic inequality, affirmative action and the distribution of health care, the limits of state power in the regulation of speech and religion, and difficulties raised by the emerging threat of global environmental decay....

Top reviews

AM

Sep 21, 2020

Absolutely loved the course design, structure and content! Prof. Shapiro's lectures were always engaging and enjoyable. The readings were also perfectly chosen and added great value to the course.

WC

Jul 21, 2020

A fantastic course as Professor Shapiro really analyzes his point clearly and it is a really enriching course for anybody with an interest in learning about the dynamical world of politics.

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By Sandhya j

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Jul 6, 2020

Good

By APPIREDDY S

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Jun 24, 2020

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By tale p

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Jun 23, 2020

good

By Hritik r

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Jun 16, 2020

Nice

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Jun 13, 2020

good

By ANJANA P K

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May 24, 2020

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May 20, 2020

Nice

By Chaitanya T

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Apr 26, 2020

nice

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Mar 21, 2020

nive

By Dante E L V

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Mar 18, 2019

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Mar 6, 2019

Good

By Umesh S

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Mar 5, 2019

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Jun 14, 2023

wow

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Feb 18, 2025

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Feb 14, 2024

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Dec 5, 2020

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Aug 17, 2024

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Apr 28, 2022

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By Adv. S T

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Sep 4, 2020

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By Cassandra L X H

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May 29, 2020

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By James M J

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Oct 22, 2015

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By Arpitha R

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Jul 8, 2020

I started this course with zero knowledge of politics and the like. Now I think I have understood the working of governments and why laws are made the way they are, according to history. I have basic knowledge and can now start forming my opinions on politics and the economy. Prof. Shapiro was a delight to listen to as well. Very knowledgable and graceful. Thank you

By Stella L X T

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May 28, 2020

A little complicated to grasp for a non-American, but I managed to get a basic understanding of how politics were shaped through the many theories over the years, and try to apply my understanding to my country's governance situation. An insightful course that required quite a bit of thinking to keep up. Thank you Prof and the 2 students, for all the effort!