Philosophy

Philosophy, Politics and the Middle East

Module code: V7091E
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

Contemporary Middle Eastern politics raises many intricate philosophical questions. The aim of this course is to address some of them. Topics to be studied include:

• jihad and just war theory
• liberalism vs Islam
• democracy and freedom of speech
• freedom of belief
• what, if anything, is wrong with extremist beliefs?
• what, if anything, is wrong with conspiracy theories?
• democracy and religion
• patriotism and personal identity
• the ethics of immigration.

Module learning outcomes

• Idenitify the concerns and claims made by the just war theorists
• Understand and disyinguish between the different claims made by those who defend the right to freedom of speech.
• Present the arguments for and against the notion that national, ethnic, or religious identity can properly be part of one¿s personal identity.
• Argue systematically for his or her view concerning some of the philosophical issues raised by Middle Eastern Politics