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

4.9
stars
6,094 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

CW

Nov 1, 2015

This was a phenomenal course that really motivated me to understand the moral foundations of arguments and systems of politics. I look forward to retaining my course material and studying it.

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.

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726 - 750 of 1,130 Reviews for Moral Foundations of Politics

By Vinícius P d S

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Apr 2, 2020

Great lectures and engaging format.

By JINGYUE H

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Aug 3, 2019

very clear and coherent explanation

By Zhi L

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Jan 12, 2018

Very Informative and Very Inspring!

By Mehdi F

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Apr 9, 2020

very interesting and useful course

By Kalai K

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Sep 18, 2016

Comprehensive and Illuminating !!!

By Clarissa P

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Jul 9, 2016

An inspiring and informing course.

By MAURICIO W

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Jul 1, 2016

Very insightful, deep, fascinating

By Musa P

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Apr 2, 2024

Essential to understand politics.

By BERRONES O W V

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Oct 29, 2020

Congratulations excellent course.

By I�igo F F

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Oct 11, 2020

Excelente curso. Muy recomendable

By KENIO A D F E

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Sep 21, 2020

¡Excelente curso! Muchas gracias!

By Ni N

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Aug 2, 2020

an impressively systematic course

By Guerrero G J J

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Jun 16, 2020

Muy buen curso. Bastante completo

By Nelson D M B

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Jun 9, 2020

Excelente curso. Recomendado 100%

By Potu s

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May 28, 2020

so much helpful moral foundations

By Jorge G

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May 25, 2020

Gracias por este excelente curso.

By Isabella L

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May 23, 2020

loved the course! I learned a lot

By Zhong S

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Dec 10, 2015

very well-designed and conducted.

By Raymond O

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Oct 21, 2025

I learned much from this course.

By Zhang J

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Jan 8, 2021

Great lectures, great professor.

By Ifeanyi U

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Oct 1, 2020

THE COURSE IS A VERY HELPFUL ONE

By Dominique L

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Jun 27, 2020

Briljant course in every aspect!

By Amir A S

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Oct 12, 2019

Amazing professor, great course.

By Prashant S S

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May 3, 2019

Very nice and informative course