PHIL 225

Power, Critique and Emancipation

Please note: this is archived course information from 2021 for PHIL 225.

Description

This course provides an examination of some attempts to support political struggles for freedom, justice and recognition through the philosophical critique of modern society. 

We examine and analyse cultural, economic, political and epistemic structures of power, including gender, race, and class.

What is power? How does power emerge and how does it impact upon social relationships?  What are power structures and why do they matter? Are relations of power always illegitimate? How should we understand concepts such as domination, subordination and oppression? Are such concepts relevant to a theory of justice? Finally, how can illegitimate power be resisted in order to achieve a more just society? What role should be played by democratic politics, activism and social critique? 

Assessment: 

 

Coursework and exam

Availability 2021

Semester 2

Lecturer(s)

Lecturer(s) Dr Matheson Russell

Assessment

Coursework + exam

Points

PHIL 225: 15 points

Prerequisites

30 points in Philosophy or 60 points passed

Restrictions

PHIL 345