Justice, Equality and Human Rights

Subject PHIL20012 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 (2x 1 hour lectures each week and 1x 1 hour tutorial in weeks 2-12)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: One of the following subjects is recommended:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed 161-013 or 672-339 'Political Philosophy' are not permitted to enrol in this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Associate Professor Howard Sankey

chs@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject investigates three core concepts in contemporary political philosophy: justice, equality, and human rights. What is a just society like? Does it require people to be equal? In what respects? How is the value of equality to be balanced against other values? Can human rights be given an adequate philosophical foundation? If they can, what does respect for human right require of governments and citizens?
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • understand competing contemporary theories of the nature of justice, equality and human rights.
  • be able to explain these theories clearly.
  • be able to present informed and fair-minded philosophical evaluations of them.
Assessment:

A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 50% (held at the end of semester). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available from the bookshop at the start of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • develop skills in critical thinking and analysis.
  • have improved their ability to think in theoretical terms.
  • develop skills in written communication.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major
Philosophy and Social Theory
Social Theory Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Ethics && Political Philosophy

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