Theories of Justice
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The Theories of Justice course aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the major philosophical theories concerning the concept of justice. The learning objectives include a critical understanding of different theoretical positions and their political implications, and the ability to apply these theories to the discussion of issues at the centre of public debate in contemporary democracies. In particular, the course aims to:
- Explore philosophical conceptions of justice: analyse the main theories of justice formulated in the contemporary philosophical debate, starting with John Rawls' theory, which has redefined the terms of this debate.
- Analyse problems of distributive and procedural justice: explore the concepts of distributive justice, which concerns the distribution of resources, and procedural justice, which focuses on the fairness of decision-making procedures.
- To stimulate reflection on the challenges posed by inequalities: to explore the issues related to economic, social and cultural inequalities and to reflect on possible theoretical solutions to reduce inequalities between different social groups.
- To stimulate reflection on the policy implications of theories of justice: to analyse the impact of philosophical theories of justice on legislation and public policy, exploring their concrete applications and the challenges they pose.
- To develop argumentative skills: to strengthen students' ability to formulate and defend rigorous philosophical arguments, using concepts learned in lectures and assigned readings.
- Explore philosophical conceptions of justice: analyse the main theories of justice formulated in the contemporary philosophical debate, starting with John Rawls' theory, which has redefined the terms of this debate.
- Analyse problems of distributive and procedural justice: explore the concepts of distributive justice, which concerns the distribution of resources, and procedural justice, which focuses on the fairness of decision-making procedures.
- To stimulate reflection on the challenges posed by inequalities: to explore the issues related to economic, social and cultural inequalities and to reflect on possible theoretical solutions to reduce inequalities between different social groups.
- To stimulate reflection on the policy implications of theories of justice: to analyse the impact of philosophical theories of justice on legislation and public policy, exploring their concrete applications and the challenges they pose.
- To develop argumentative skills: to strengthen students' ability to formulate and defend rigorous philosophical arguments, using concepts learned in lectures and assigned readings.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will have acquired the necessary skills to understand, analyse and evaluate the main theories of justice. Expected learning outcomes include:
- Knowledge of theories of justice: students will be able to describe and compare the main philosophical theories of justice, identifying the basic principles of each approach and recognising the differences between different conceptions of justice.
- Critical analysis skills: students will develop the ability to critically analyse theories of justice, to assess their merits and limitations, and to apply these theories to the discussion of the challenges posed by the protection of rights and inequalities.
- Skills in assessing practical implications: students will be able to examine and discuss the practical implications of theories of justice, with particular reference to the impact these theories may have on legislation and public policy.
- Developing argumentation skills: students will be able to formulate well-structured philosophical arguments in which they apply the concepts they have learnt and express a critical and reasoned view of theories of justice.
- Knowledge of theories of justice: students will be able to describe and compare the main philosophical theories of justice, identifying the basic principles of each approach and recognising the differences between different conceptions of justice.
- Critical analysis skills: students will develop the ability to critically analyse theories of justice, to assess their merits and limitations, and to apply these theories to the discussion of the challenges posed by the protection of rights and inequalities.
- Skills in assessing practical implications: students will be able to examine and discuss the practical implications of theories of justice, with particular reference to the impact these theories may have on legislation and public policy.
- Developing argumentation skills: students will be able to formulate well-structured philosophical arguments in which they apply the concepts they have learnt and express a critical and reasoned view of theories of justice.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
Students taking the exam in English as non-attending students will be required to read philosophical texts on the following topics:
- John Rawls's Philosophy of Justice
- Social Justice and Identity Politics
- Anarchism and Anarcho-Capitalism
- John Rawls's Philosophy of Justice
- Social Justice and Identity Politics
- Anarchism and Anarcho-Capitalism
Prerequisites for admission
Lectures will be given in Italian and attending students will be required to read texts and participate in class discussions in that language.
Students who don't have the necessary knowledge of Italian to participate in these activities can take the exam in English as non-attending students. A bibliography in English will be provided on request.
No other prior knowledge is required.
Students who don't have the necessary knowledge of Italian to participate in these activities can take the exam in English as non-attending students. A bibliography in English will be provided on request.
No other prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Teaching activities will include lectures, class presentations and class discussions. The standard language for all the activities will be Italian. Students who don't have the necessary knowledge of Italian to participate effectively in the course can take the exam in English as non-attending students.
For the final exam, non-attending students should prepare the texts listed in a bibliography that will be provided upon request.
For the final exam, non-attending students should prepare the texts listed in a bibliography that will be provided upon request.
Teaching Resources
Students who don't have the necessary knowledge of Italian to participate effectively in the course, but who are interested in the topics of the course, can take the exam in English as non-attending students.
A bibliography in English is available on request. To receive it, please contact the teachers by e-mail.
A bibliography in English is available on request. To receive it, please contact the teachers by e-mail.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students who don't have the necessary knowledge of Italian to participate effectively in the course can take the exam in English as non-attending students.
The final exam for non-attending students consists of a written and an oral test, both of which are compulsory. For further information on the assessment methods and criteria, please consult the document uploaded on the Ariel course website.
As Italian is the standard language of the course, students who wish to take the exam in English should inform the teacher by e-mail at least one week before the exam date.
The final exam for non-attending students consists of a written and an oral test, both of which are compulsory. For further information on the assessment methods and criteria, please consult the document uploaded on the Ariel course website.
As Italian is the standard language of the course, students who wish to take the exam in English should inform the teacher by e-mail at least one week before the exam date.
IUS/20 - PHILOSOPHY OF LAW - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Negroni Alessandro Attilio, Riva Nicola
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
The professor meets with students weekly, on campus or online. To make an appointment, please contact the professor by email.
On-campus meetings will be held in the professor's office on the second floor of the building overlooking via Passione (room 206). Online meetings will be held through Microsoft Teams.