This is a practical course in philosophical analysis for students pursuing a degree in Public Policy.

It is practical in that the real work of the course will be in grappling with concrete, practical problem situations, taking them as opportunities to acquire and practice skills in rigorous critical inquiry.

Such inquiry is philosophical in that we will focus mainly on the normative aspects of public policy – matters of value, obligation and character – which extend downward to more basic philosophical questions regarding knowledge and hope, and outward to questions of political legitimacy.