The ideals of freedom, equality, and justice are commonly invoked. But what does it actually mean to be free? Or to be equal? Or to live in a just society? This course will examine these and other fundamental questions of political philosophy using both contemporary and historical thinkers. Topics to be addressed include: justifications for the existence of the state, political obligation and civil disobedience, freedom, private property, equality and justice, and whether we have obligations to those who live in other societies.

Pre-requisites: ZHSS1401, ZHSS1402 or ZHSS2600