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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Moral Foundations of Politics by Yale University

4.9
stars
5,944 ratings

About the Course

When do governments deserve our allegiance, and when should they be denied it? This course explores the main answers that have been given to this question in the modern West. We start with a survey of the major political theories of the Enlightenment: Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition. In each case, we begin with a look at classical formulations, locating them in historical context, but then shift to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today. Next, we turn to the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations. The last part of the course deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking. In addition to exploring theoretical differences among the various authors discussed, considerable attention is devoted to the practical implications of their competing arguments. To this end, we discuss a variety of concrete problems, including debates about economic inequality, affirmative action and the distribution of health care, the limits of state power in the regulation of speech and religion, and difficulties raised by the emerging threat of global environmental decay....

Top reviews

SS

Jul 2, 2020

The lectures are easy to understand, the reading materials informative. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and any beginner will be able to grasp the technicalities of Moral Politics after this Course.

MS

Sep 17, 2015

excellant work dont by Dr Ian Shapiro and staff on putting such a mind turning,thought provoking MOOC on a complex and ever controversial subject known as POLITICS!..I hope to see more from them soon

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1026 - 1050 of 1,098 Reviews for Moral Foundations of Politics

By Faisal B K V

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Jul 13, 2020

Thanks a lot Coursera.

It would have been better if a different face had appeared as instructor during the course of study of some weeks. The same instructor in most of the weeks' courses and leading discussions made the course a little monotonous.

By J. D

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Aug 21, 2016

Overall a good course. Although maybe a little bit short/quick on the Marxism side of it. There's more information about some of the theories of Marx (and how they are thought to be false), instead of the political side of it (stop exploitation).

By Airton M

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Jun 24, 2020

I'm from Brazil. I'I had more work to read, translate and understand some of the issues addressed in the lectures. I am reading the texts slowly. I am returning to see some classes to better understand them.

By Can B

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Feb 10, 2022

Despite my spite for the "woke" ideology and its foundations that comes from Rawls, I enjoyed this course! Though, it'd be better if I had the chance engage with Mr. Shapiro on a face-to-face basis :)

By MARCOS A R F

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Oct 13, 2024

very good course but very long, need to improve translation to Spanish. Culture is very different for Latin American guys, so understanding of American way to learn does not fit with our culture.

By Francois C

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Jun 3, 2019

Great content with much reference material provided to allow you to deepen your understanding. I would prefer a more standard lecturing approach than the intimate discussion setting used.

By Abrar H

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Jun 28, 2020

a very well taught, insightful and informative course, those who want to know more about the governance and politics, you can take it and gain some important knowledge.

By N B

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Mar 20, 2019

Thank you for your work!

This course made me think a lot, showed a new facet of philosophy. At first I didn't like the course, but now I think it is one of the best.

By Vinay

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Oct 12, 2015

Its a good course for any one who wants to go into politics, business or religion. Only thing i did not like was there was not too much teacher student interaction.

By Louis A K H T

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Mar 13, 2018

Throughout this course of Morals Foundations in Politics, I have gained a lot by attending this course. Wish that I would be able to gain a verified certificate.

By Haneen F

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Oct 10, 2020

Loved every second of it, especially towards the ends of the course with emotivist culture and the democratic tradition. Very very very high quality teaching

By Siddharth M

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Aug 19, 2019

A very useful and instructive course, with an engaging format; but could only be improved, if all readings were published directly on the course-site itself.

By Lenon H

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May 2, 2020

O curso fornece uma bagagem vasta sobre os principais teóricos da filosofia política, bem como uma ampla visão do conceito moderno de democracia. Recomendo.

By SAI D S

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May 26, 2020

the videos were really good and the readings were helpful and the course dealed greatly about the fact that democracy is really for everyone.

By JORGE A R D S M

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Feb 23, 2025

Interesante curso sobre las principales tradiciones filosóficas que abordaron el problema de los fundamentos morales de la política.

By Zakaria G

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Apr 5, 2019

loved the course, would have just loved more videos and discussions about democracy, where it fails and how to deal wit that

By Calvin C

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Jun 21, 2016

"very inspiring, thoughts provocative course", that I have learned a lot as a lay man in the morality of politics.

By MARIANA L

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Feb 14, 2016

Very interesting! I just didn't like the conversation format of it, but the professor is great. Thank you!

By Michael K

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Mar 29, 2021

Instructor was great. Didn't like the format with two students. It was awkward and didn't add much value.

By Maria S

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Nov 29, 2016

Really informative and interesting. Thank you Coursera and Professor Sharpino for making this possible!

By Alfred M

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Jul 30, 2019

The course is a bit too long and unorganized. It would be better if concepts are separated in chunks.

By Fatima S

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Nov 19, 2023

I loved Professor Shapiros style of teaching and would love more courses from him in the future!

By Teo S Q

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Mar 30, 2021

Course was pretty dry but insightful. Would be better if there was more videos e.g. animation.

By Edmund S R

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Jun 24, 2020

It was the best course with full of fun and learning. The more you go the brighter you become.