Official Course Description
Immigration and state borders are at the forefront of contemporary politics. Whether and when we should admit or exclude prospective immigrants is hotly debated and incites passionate arguments and sometimes blind fervour from across the political spectrum. This seminar interrogates the ethical foundations of such debates, drawing out the values and normative commitments that structure them. Together, we will discuss, analyse, critique, and situate in wider societal debate recent and contemporary normative political thought concerned with the implications of core social and political values such as democracy, justice, equality, and freedom for authoritative decision-making on immigrant inclusion and exclusion. Examples of questions we will discuss in depth are: Does justice require open borders? Must citizens be able to exclude immigrants to democratically govern themselves? Does a desirable conception of freedom require a human right to global free movement?
Reading up on and tackling such questions will enhance the sophistication of students own reflection on central normative concepts as well as strengthen their grasp on one of the central political issues of our time. This is a reading-intensive seminar, held in two blocks, and it will be desirable though not absolutely necessary for students to already have some background knowledge in contemporary normative political theory.
Immigration and state borders are at the forefront of contemporary politics. Whether and when we should admit or exclude prospective immigrants is hotly debated and incites passionate arguments and sometimes blind fervour from across the political spectrum. This seminar interrogates the ethical foundations of such debates, drawing out the values and normative commitments that structure them. Together, we will discuss, analyse, critique, and situate in wider societal debate recent and contemporary normative political thought concerned with the implications of core social and political values such as democracy, justice, equality, and freedom for authoritative decision-making on immigrant inclusion and exclusion. Examples of questions we will discuss in depth are: Does justice require open borders? Must citizens be able to exclude immigrants to democratically govern themselves? Does a desirable conception of freedom require a human right to global free movement?
Reading up on and tackling such questions will enhance the sophistication of students own reflection on central normative concepts as well as strengthen their grasp on one of the central political issues of our time. This is a reading-intensive seminar, held in two blocks, and it will be desirable though not absolutely necessary for students to already have some background knowledge in contemporary normative political theory.
- Lehrende: Anonym
Semester: ST 2022