Harvard University is offering a free online course on Justice. Justice is an introduction to moral and political philosophy, including discussion of contemporary dilemmas and controversies.

HarvardX is proud to relaunch this introduction to Justice with new videos and discussion forums in multiple languages! The course invites learners to subject their own views on these controversies to critical examination.

Why Take This Course?

This is a free online course. This MOOC will be offered with Video Transcripts in English.  Applicants can get a verified certificate.

Learning Outcomes

• The fundamentals of political philosophy
• An understanding of social justice and criminal justice, and the roles they play in the modern justice system
• A deeper sense of the philosophy that underlies modern issues such as affirmative action, same-sex marriage, and equality
• The ability to better articulate and evaluate philosophical arguments and ask philosophical questions

Course At A Glance

Length: 12 weeks
Effort: 3-6 hours pw
Subject: Humanities
Languages: English
Price: Free
Certificate Available: Yes, Add a Verified Certificate for $99
Session: Self-Paced

Providers’ Details

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. Harvard faculty are engaged with teaching and research to push the boundaries of human knowledge. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.

About This Course

Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael Sandel, Justice explores a critical analysis of classical and contemporary theories of justice, including discussion of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and property rights), arguments for and against equality, dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course invites learners to subject their own views on these controversies to critical examination.

The principal readings for the course are texts by Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and John Rawls. Other assigned readings include writings by contemporary philosophers, court cases, and articles about political controversies that raise philosophical questions.

Instructors

Michael J. Sandel: Michael J. Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University, where he teaches political philosophy.

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