Free online coursePhilosophy of Justice

Course Description

Philosophy of Justice, a course from Harvard University, offers an in-depth exploration of some of the most profound and vital questions concerning justice and morality. Spanning 11 hours and 1 minute, this course is specifically categorized under Basic Studies with a subcategory focus on Philosophy. Uniquely tailored for those with an interest in understanding the intricate fabric of justice, this course does not yet have reviews but comes highly regarded due to its comprehensive content and renowned origin.

As the title suggests, this course delves into essential inquiries about justice: What is the right thing to do? By engaging with thought-provoking scenarios and moral dilemmas, learners are guided through a series of lectures titled "Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do?" providing a systematic approach to dissecting complex ethical questions.

The journey begins with Episode 01: The Moral Side of Murder, where the foundational principles of morality and justice are examined through the lens of one of the gravest acts. Through carefully structured discussions, students confront the moral imperatives and ethical boundaries that define our understanding of right and wrong.

In Episode 02: Putting a Price Tag on Life, the course challenges conventional notions and introduces the controversial idea of quantifying human life. This session seeks to uncover the implicit values and assumptions that underpin economic reasoning in matters of life and death.

Moving forward, Episode 03: Free to Choose focuses on the concept of freedom and the ethical implications of individual choice. This episode scrutinizes the balance between personal liberty and societal good, elucidating how choices are often more complex than they appear.

Episode 04: This Land Is My Land peels back layers of property rights and ownership, revealing the ethical justifications and conflicts that arise over land claims. This segment provides an illustrative examination of historical and contemporary debates over ownership and entitlement.

With Episode 05: Hired Guns, the course confronts the moral considerations of mercenary work and security. By evaluating historical contexts and modern parallels, students assess the ethical dimensions of utilizing hired protection and engaging in conflict for profit.

In Episode 06: Mind Your Motive, the focus shifts to the importance of intentions in ethical decision-making. This lecture examines various philosophical theories that emphasize the role of motives in determining the moral worth of actions.

Episode 07: A Lesson in Lying invites students to explore the ethics surrounding deceit. Through real-life examples and theoretical constructs, this episode grapples with scenarios where lying might be justified, and where it unequivocally fails ethical scrutiny.

What’s a Fair Start?, covered in Episode 08, addresses questions of fairness and equality, digging into the ethical frameworks that support equitable opportunities. This discussion is particularly relevant in today's context of social justice and rights movements.

Episodes 09 and 10, both titled The Good Citizen, examine the responsibilities and virtues of citizenship. By engaging with civic duties and the essence of good citizenship, these episodes provide a nuanced understanding of how individuals can contribute to a just society.

The Claims of Community, presented in Episode 11, explores the intersection of individual rights and communal responsibilities. This episode delves into the ethical principles guiding communal harmony and the often-competing claims of community and individuality.

Finally, Episode 12: Debating Same-Sex Marriage brings to light one of the most contentious contemporary issues. Through rigorous debate and philosophical inquiry, this concluding episode addresses the ethical arguments for and against same-sex marriage, providing a comprehensive view.