A study of modern political ideas as expressed in rationalism, empiricism, Marxism, fascism, socialism and the welfare state. This course attempts a radical synthesis of the methods of knowing implicit in the Core program. An advanced study of enduring philosophic interest. The course's content is determined by the interests of the members of the department, the general faculty, and the students. Specifics are announced as the course is scheduled.
Special emphasis is placed upon the relevance of metaphysical conclusions to human living.
Special attention is given to aiding students to clarify for themselves their own lived values. An introduction to the basics of phenomenology, with special emphasis on the model of being human, the theory of knowledge and the understanding of science as elaborated by Edmund Husserl and his disciples. The revolutionary developments which phenomenology has brought about in psychology and sociology are also studied. Through critical discussion of these theories and some of their practical and contemporary consequences, students are encouraged to formulate their own philosophy of law. Especially recommended to pre-law and political science students.