We are in the early stages of the 2012 US national election. Next November, citizens will choose a President, a third of its Senators, and all members of the House. Given the highly contentious nature of these elections, it is a good time to think carefully about the good society. We begin by reading two books (and several essays) advocating radically different approaches, approaches roughly reflected in the two main political parties. Each book was written by a Nobel Prize winning economist (1974 and 2008). While one advocates a narrower role for the national government, the other advocates an expanded role.
Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom, (written in the mid-1940s) and essays from Rand’s The Virtue of Selfishness are oft considered foundational books of the modern conservative movement. Their central message is clear: giving government more power leads to the diminution of individual freedom. In contrast, The Conscience of a Liberal argues that the government should take on an expanded role to insure a just society and to increase each person’s power over her own life.
Both admirably defend their respective positions. Both, though, have some gaps and make some contentious historical and moral claims. We will seek to make each argument as precise and persuasive as possible; then we frame potential questions about, and discuss criticisms of, each.
To help in these tasks, we will also read a variety of other essays online. These are available through the university library to all USF St. Pete students. The full syllabus will include links to them.
Course Aims
This course should help students “Demonstrate awareness of the ethical dimensions of human behavior . . . .” You will achieve this outcome by learning to better:
read carefully, fairly, and critically
write clearly, honestly, and effectively
evaluate arguments; offer and defend one’s own argument
understand and refine moral reasoning
Texts
The Road to Serfdom, F. A. Hayek
The Conscience of a Liberal, Paul Krugman
Assorted online readings (links from the syllabus - WWW)
Style: Basics of Clarity and Grace, (4th edition) J. Williams. Recommended, not required