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Harvard University

Justice

Harvard University via edX

Overview

Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael Sandel, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and contemporary theories of justice, including discussion of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and property rights), arguments for and against equality, dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course invites learners to subject their own views on these controversies to critical examination.

The principal readings for the course are texts by Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and John Rawls. Other assigned readings include writings by contemporary philosophers, court cases, and articles about political controversies that raise philosophical questions.

Taught by

Michael J. Sandel

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 54 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at edX based on 82 ratings

Start your review of Justice

  • Very recommended if you care about this topic (who shouldn't care about that?). I'm posting part of the conclusion here, get an idea if you want: "We consider the arguments that are provoked by particular cases. We try to develop the reasons that l…
  • Great course! Thought provoking, interesting information, and the course materials compliment the lectures very well. I enjoyed the philosophical approach to Justice and the ethical questions posed. The material is a little dense and is not easy, but if you pay attention to the lectures and then read the material actively, everything will come together clearly.
  • Anonymous
    Brilliant course - engaging, challenging, and well-designed. Great discussion on controversial topics like abortion, gay marriage, human rights . Prof. Sandel is very ethical and manages to maintain philosophical rather than political atmosphere in the classroom . The assignments are not too hard and it's allowed to do them all in bulk. Highly recommend this course to anybody to become a better thinker, and for personal or professional growth.
  • Profile image for Jan Stajnko
    Jan Stajnko
    It is one of the best courses out there. In this course, you will get a great mixture of political philosophy, ethics, moral philosophy and humour. It is worth it even to just watch prof. Sandel's rethorics skills.

    Highly advisable for legal students who want to think "out of the box",
  • I am currently powering through the course, as I just discovered it, and it ends in a week. I have completed four modules in one day, without getting bored. The professor is simply amazing, and the lectures are enjoyable, thoughtful, and very engaging. The readings support the material learned in the lectures. It is incredibly thought provoking-- I wouldn't recommend to the people who get uncomfortable with morally provoking questions.
  • Noor Almalki
    I audited this course.
    In the beginning of the course, Dr. Sandel warns us that we will not be the same when we finish this course. He was right! He provides the student with the background and tools to engage with many philosophical issues and debate current political controversies of the day. I am planning to read his book ‘Justice’ to review and consolidate what I learned in this course. I want to learn more about philosophy.
  • Profile image for Felipe Rodrigues
    Felipe Rodrigues
    Curso excelente, recomendo muito a quem quer expandir a forma de pensar em justiça, moralidade, ética e direitos individuais sob diferentes perspectivas, com um professor que domina a arte de lecionar utilizando todos os recursos a sua disposição, trazendo coerência aos pensamentos e correlacionando com os grandes pensadores da história. Recomendo muito.
  • Anonymous
    Great course and great teacher! I didn't know there were so many distinct perspectives on justice and the good life. I highly recommend it!
  • Syed Nabeel
    Amazing course. Anyone looking to study the ethics and morals of past philosophers like Aristotle, Bentham and Kant should start here. Excellent introductory course leaving the attendee with a lot to ponder over.
  • Anonymous
    Uma exelente aquisição para ampliar nosso conhecimento e ter um exelente certificado de conclusão em nosso currículo
  • Anonymous
    Extraordinary and modern vision . Paradoxal dificulty socially and philosophically and decisions very hard and controversial to respond. Really one of the most extraordinary contemporary philosophers
  • Profile image for Naldo Oliveira MRV
    Naldo Oliveira MRV
    Vou começar agora depois vou afirmar a vocês minhas expectativas.

    Sei que será coisa boa materiais muito bem elaborado pois estamos falando de uma Universidade bem conceituada.
  • P.Singh
    Brilliantly delivered by Prof Michael Sandel. Once you get going, you will keep coming back and when it end's you will wish there were more lectures.
  • Profile image for Weston Dutson
    Weston Dutson
    This class was a wonderful opportunity to consider my deeply held beliefs and see how they stand up to further, closer examination. It provided many opportunities for reflection and growth on the topic of justice and what that truly means in our society.
  • Anonymous
    This is an excellent course. Professor Sandel is an outstanding teacher. The topics are wide ranging, the resources are very good . I liked the lectures and the discussion boards. I completed the very first Justice course and then returned to repeat as I enjoyed it so much this year.
  • DR Morris
    It was a very interesting course with practical philosophical, ethical, sociological and legal examples that keep. I think The professor thinks he is performing in an amphitheatre with the likes of classical philosophers.
  • Dinda Putri Titi Sari
    Keadilan yang terjadi di Indonesia saat ini sangat menghawatirkan dikarenakan banyak sekali suara-suara rakyat yang tidak didengar oleh para penguasa dan selalu ditindak sewenang-wenang mereka/rezim otoriter, dan isu-isu tentang omnimbus law banyak sekali yang beredar. Kami harap keadilan untuk rakyat dapat segera didengar.
  • Anonymous
    It is a delight to challenge myself, about moral justice issues and interesting to see what others are saying. I just love it. I love learning, again.
  • We are Human being so we have to power excise got a single injustice against judgment. Justice delayed Justice denied
  • Anonymous
    Uma excelente escolha para ampliar o nosso conhecimento em uma das áreas mais importantes do mercado

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