Justice Theory OpenCourseWare: A Free Bachelor Level Justice Studies Course by MIT

Published Feb 27, 2009

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MIT's OpenCourseWare 'Justice Theory' was originally an undergraduate political science course. The course examines the ultimate 'just society'. It goes on the question where equality and liberty figure into a society of this type.

Justice Theory: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes No

Justice Theory: Course Description

Joshua Cohen, professor in the justice program at MIT, offers his take on theories in justice in this bachelor level course. Students learn how a society develops its justice system to enforce laws. Morals and values play an important role in the system's creation.

Three modern, justice theories play a prominent role in the course: Libertarianism, Egalitarian Liberalism and Utilitarianism. Students debate various controversies of a political, moral nature (such as abortion or affirmative action) in light of these three theories. The course tries to answer three questions about equality and liberty within the discussions.

This course comes with a reading list, lecture notes, assignments, previous student papers and additional study materials. To learn more about the theories in justice, visit the course page.

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