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

4.9
stars
6,054 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 22, 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.

IP

Jun 8, 2020

Professor Shapiro's explanation of the concepts was excellent. This course gave me a clearer understanding of many theories and the perspective of many prominent political thinkers and economists.

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526 - 550 of 1,123 Reviews for Moral Foundations of Politics

By Mário H G S

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Dec 21, 2017

Great. I had read the book before, twice. And I really recommend the course.

By sirius d

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Nov 10, 2015

Very Good! The course have given me a new angle of view to my country China.

By Deleted A

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Sep 16, 2015

Opened a new field of knowledge for me. Thank you for your time and efforts.

By Nicol�s Z

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Sep 28, 2020

es un curso que toda persona debería hacer como ciudadano de cualquier país

By Tomas S

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Apr 17, 2020

Fantastic educational introduction into politics and the thought behind it.

By James S N

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Feb 10, 2016

This course has been a great development in my law and human rights carreer

By Nariman N

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Oct 11, 2015

Brilliant course, I pretty much enjoyed of everything!

Thank you very much!

By Муженикова В С

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Nov 21, 2020

It was very useful during my study of political science at the university.

By Алексей П

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Oct 30, 2020

just exciting. Thank you, proffesor Shapiro and thank you Yale University!

By Brenda A O d S

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Jul 22, 2020

It was amazing participate this course. It has been an incredible journey.

By eric_serrat_lucas

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Oct 3, 2025

M'ha agradat moltíssim com ha explicat en Ian Shapiro i tot el contingut.

By Andrea B A M

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Apr 2, 2021

THIS COURSE IS VERY INTERESTING AND ESSENTIAL TO UNDERSTANDING THE POLICY

By ANNA A Z J

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Jan 27, 2021

Managed to learn and have a better insight on the foundation of politics.

By Norberto I T

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Sep 8, 2020

Very informative. Provides enough useful knowledge about modern politics.

By Aaron Z

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Jul 31, 2025

Dr. Shapiro teaches in an incredibly engaging and well-explained manner.

By jorge b

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Oct 1, 2020

Great course, incredible experience and amazing teaching by Ian Shapiro.

By Edwin G C

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Jul 17, 2020

I have learned a lot from this course! Thank you so much Professor Ian.

By Jeyling s

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May 31, 2020

Este curso es bastante completo y ademas aprendes de una manera unica .

By Luis M H

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Apr 15, 2020

excellent course, lived up to expectations. Let's hope for new courses.

By Michael R

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Dec 21, 2020

Excelente curso, entretanto, não possui a tradução completa em inglês.

By Cristián G C

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Dec 7, 2020

Thank you professor Shapiro for a great start in Political Philosophy.

By Tengku A S

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Sep 27, 2020

Hope i could have a direct discussion with you in the future professor

By Martinez D J

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Sep 24, 2020

Aprendí muchísimo de este curso. Valieron la pena las horas dedicadas.

By Sweekriti

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Jun 29, 2020

A great course, comprehensive and easy to grasp. Kudos to Prof Shapiro

By Edgard M M

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May 27, 2017

Very good course with a lot of good lectures and a comprehensive view.