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

4.9
stars
5,935 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

SS

Jul 1, 2020

The lectures are easy to understand, the reading materials informative. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and any beginner will be able to grasp the technicalities of Moral Politics after this Course.

MS

Sep 16, 2015

excellant work dont by Dr Ian Shapiro and staff on putting such a mind turning,thought provoking MOOC on a complex and ever controversial subject known as POLITICS!..I hope to see more from them soon

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476 - 500 of 1,095 Reviews for Moral Foundations of Politics

By Adriana A W

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Nov 30, 2017

This is a very good course, I truly recommend it. Professor Shapiro is a great tutor.

By Megana M

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Dec 29, 2020

Ian Shapiro is a profoundly influential thinker. Informative and challenging course!

By Nayereh D

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Dec 8, 2020

the best and most time-worthy online course I have ever taken. Very well structured.

By Patricia M S

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Oct 10, 2020

Excelente Course. Well structured, clear teaching and great content. Opened my mind.

By Maria E P R

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Jun 7, 2020

It is a great course! I was able to understand very clearly more about the politics!

By Mateo G B

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May 5, 2020

Excelente curso, profesor muy didáctico a la hora de dar las clases. Mucha sabiduria

By Max B

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Nov 16, 2019

The best course I've ever taken. I highly recommend it! Thanks to Professor Shapiro.

By Lancelot L

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Apr 17, 2017

It is awesome course for beginners to get a clear general idea of political science!

By Clare F

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Apr 11, 2021

Great course. Thought provoking, very well presented, guided readings. Excellent.

By Paweł J Z

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Mar 13, 2016

Clearly brings out what you have often known intuitively if you are into politiscs.

By Avril S

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Feb 24, 2023

History is so important. I have loved every bit of this course. Thank you so much!

By Deleted A

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Aug 20, 2020

Excellent teaching and content, and the first course I ever took with a NY mobster

By Cliff M

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Oct 15, 2017

Very educative ,informative ,it helps one to undestand the foundations of politics

By Tim B

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Oct 12, 2020

This is a good course on political theory from the enlightenment to current times

By John H

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Jul 3, 2020

Exceptionally clear presentation of concepts. Well paced with relatable examples.

By ESRA P

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Sep 22, 2020

Dear Professor Shapiro and Yale University

thank you so much for the opportunity.

By Virginia M

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May 15, 2020

My highest appreciation to this course of Professor Shapiro.

From a PhD candidate

By Mohamed S

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Jun 16, 2018

one of the most compelling courses about politics that you can ever find online.

By Ronaldo C d O J

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Oct 5, 2020

Wonderfull course, with a brilliant teacher. I acquired so much more knowledge.

By Mok R Y

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Jul 29, 2020

Great Course! I loved the interactions between the students and the professor!

By Zeytuna S

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May 21, 2020

Very informative and useful for students whose major is international studies.

By ESTEVENSON S A

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May 2, 2020

It was a very interesting course.I've learned a lot in a short period of time.

By Maddie s

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Sep 15, 2017

Great course- interesting subjects, well explained and engaging language used.

By Teddy S

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Sep 18, 2015

Very engaging and to-the-point approach to philosophy, economics and politics!