PHIL2171: The Philosophy of Economics and Politics: Theory, Methods, and Values

• At least one 'Year 1' module in Philosophy.

• At least one other 'Year 2' module in Philosophy.

• None

• The aim of this module is to introduce students to theoretical, methodological and ethical issues raised by economic science.

• Issues in the theoretical foundations of economics: theories of rational choice (including game theory), principles and justification; causation and explanation; mechanisms; laws in social science.
• Methodological issues in economics: measurement; econometric inference; modelling, economic experiments; evidence-based policy.
• Ethical issues in economics: well-being; distributive justice; the moral limits of the market; libertarian paternalism.
• The content of the module will largely be based on Reiss, Julian 2013, The Philosophy of Economics, New York and London: Routledge (http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415881173/)

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module students will have knowledge and understanding of some basic theoretical, methodological and ethical questions concerning economic science, key answers relating to those questions, and arguments for and against those answers.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• correctly utilise specialist vocabulary;
• grasp, analyse, evaluate and deploy subject-specific concepts and arguments;
• locate, understand, assess and utilise pertinent philosophical and historical sources;
• interpret and criticise relevant texts.

Key Skills:

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• express themselves clearly and succinctly in writing;
• comprehend complex ideas, propositions and theories;
• defend their opinions by reasoned argument;
• seek out and identify appropriate sources of evidence and information;
• tackle problems in a clear-sighted and logical fashion.

• Lectures deliver basic module-specific information, and provide a framework for further study.
• Discussion groups provide opportunities for students to test their own understanding of the material studied, and defend and debate different opinions.
• Guided reading provides a structure within which students exercise and extend their abilities to make use of available learning resources.
• The Formative essay provides the opportunity for students to test their knowledge and understanding of the module content, and their ability to present and defend relevant arguments and theories, uninhibited by the need for summative assessment.
• The summative essay tests knowledge and understanding of the course material, and the ability to identify and explain issues covered in the module, and, using relevant research material, to present different approaches to those issues, and make reasoned judgement on the merits and demerits of such approaches.
• The unseen examination tests students' overall knowledge and understanding of the module content at the end of the module, and their ability to bring it to bear on new problems under pressure of time.
• The theoretical, methodological and ethical issues taught in this module obtain at the intersection of economics and philosophy, which makes some familiarity with either discipline an essential prerequisite. Some familiarity with both would be a plus.

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.