Philosophy
Are there important ways in which individual rights can conflict with national unity and sovereignty? If so, why? If not, why not? (And if you think it’s impossible to decide whether there are such conflicts or not, explain why you think it’s impossible to decide.) Discuss with reference to the (relevant) views of Taylor and Ignatieff.
Schedule of readings and assignments
Sept.9 Introduction
16 Selections from the Malaise of Modernity, Charles Taylor (chapters 2, 3, 5). These chapters are in the reader, accompanied by notes.
23 Finish Taylor (5). Selections from The Hoax of Authenticity, Potter, pages 1-16, 41-49 (Potter chapters are in the course reader.)
30 Potter, pages 200-232 (in reader)
Oct.7 “Credentialing vs Education” from Dark Age Ahead, Jane Jacobs. (In the course reader, accompanied by notes)
Essay topics announced
21 “Credentialing vs Education”, Jacobs, continued/Introduction to The Rights Revolution, Ignatieff (no readings)
In-class assignment (Note this test is now later than the originally scheduled date)
28 The Rights Revolution, M. Ignatieff, Chapters 2&3 (There will be some Notes on the Rights Revolution in the Reader for Chapter 2 and 3)
Nov.4 The Rights Revolution Chapters 4 & 5
11 Movie: “Goin’ Down The Road” (no readings)
• http://lifecourses.ca/sites/default/files/Taylor%20on%20Modernity.pdf
the Malaise of Modernity, Charles Taylor (chapters 2, 3, 5)