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Harvard University

Justice

Harvard University via edX

Overview

Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael Sandel, Justice explores 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.

Taught by

Michael J. Sandel

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 57 Class Central reviews

4.8 rating at edX based on 156 ratings

Start your review of Justice

  • Very recommended if you care about this topic (who shouldn't care about that?). I'm posting part of the conclusion here, get an idea if you want: "We consider the arguments that are provoked by particular cases. We try to develop the reasons that l…
  • Aanya Taneja
    The justice seminar at Harvard University was a transformative experience that exceeded all expectations. Over the course of the seminar, I had the privilege of engaging with some of the brightest minds in the field, including esteemed professors an…
  • Once I finished the course I can say that, without a doubt, I would recommend it to other people.
    This is a very interesting and very complete course on justice and morality in which you not only improve your knowledge on the subject but also learn to develop a critical spirit. Professor Michael Sandel, with his masterful explanations, makes the study of the subject very enjoyable and exciting.
  • Great course! Thought provoking, interesting information, and the course materials compliment the lectures very well. I enjoyed the philosophical approach to Justice and the ethical questions posed. The material is a little dense and is not easy, but if you pay attention to the lectures and then read the material actively, everything will come together clearly.
  • Anonymous
    Brilliant course - engaging, challenging, and well-designed. Great discussion on controversial topics like abortion, gay marriage, human rights . Prof. Sandel is very ethical and manages to maintain philosophical rather than political atmosphere in the classroom . The assignments are not too hard and it's allowed to do them all in bulk. Highly recommend this course to anybody to become a better thinker, and for personal or professional growth.
  • Profile image for Jan Stajnko
    Jan Stajnko
    It is one of the best courses out there. In this course, you will get a great mixture of political philosophy, ethics, moral philosophy and humour. It is worth it even to just watch prof. Sandel's rethorics skills.

    Highly advisable for legal students who want to think "out of the box",
  • I am currently powering through the course, as I just discovered it, and it ends in a week. I have completed four modules in one day, without getting bored. The professor is simply amazing, and the lectures are enjoyable, thoughtful, and very engaging. The readings support the material learned in the lectures. It is incredibly thought provoking-- I wouldn't recommend to the people who get uncomfortable with morally provoking questions.
  • Noor Almalki
    I audited this course.
    In the beginning of the course, Dr. Sandel warns us that we will not be the same when we finish this course. He was right! He provides the student with the background and tools to engage with many philosophical issues and debate current political controversies of the day. I am planning to read his book ‘Justice’ to review and consolidate what I learned in this course. I want to learn more about philosophy.
  • AyÅŸe Ala Mert
    What a journey it was! Professor Sandel is truly amazing, he keeps the students engaged and focused easily. The course material might seem like a lot at first, but once you get into it, everything merges in your mind.
  • Anonymous
    Great course and great teacher! I didn't know there were so many distinct perspectives on justice and the good life. I highly recommend it!
  • Syed Nabeel
    Amazing course. Anyone looking to study the ethics and morals of past philosophers like Aristotle, Bentham and Kant should start here. Excellent introductory course leaving the attendee with a lot to ponder over.
  • Anonymous
    Uma exelente aquisição para ampliar nosso conhecimento e ter um exelente certificado de conclusão em nosso currículo
  • Profile image for Felipe Rodrigues
    Felipe Rodrigues
    Curso excelente, recomendo muito a quem quer expandir a forma de pensar em justiça, moralidade, ética e direitos individuais sob diferentes perspectivas, com um professor que domina a arte de lecionar utilizando todos os recursos a sua disposição, trazendo coerência aos pensamentos e correlacionando com os grandes pensadores da história. Recomendo muito.
  • Profile image for Weston Dutson
    Weston Dutson
    This class was a wonderful opportunity to consider my deeply held beliefs and see how they stand up to further, closer examination. It provided many opportunities for reflection and growth on the topic of justice and what that truly means in our society.
  • Anonymous
    This is an excellent course. Professor Sandel is an outstanding teacher. The topics are wide ranging, the resources are very good . I liked the lectures and the discussion boards. I completed the very first Justice course and then returned to repeat as I enjoyed it so much this year.
  • DR Morris
    It was a very interesting course with practical philosophical, ethical, sociological and legal examples that keep. I think The professor thinks he is performing in an amphitheatre with the likes of classical philosophers.
  • Dinda Putri Titi Sari
    Keadilan yang terjadi di Indonesia saat ini sangat menghawatirkan dikarenakan banyak sekali suara-suara rakyat yang tidak didengar oleh para penguasa dan selalu ditindak sewenang-wenang mereka/rezim otoriter, dan isu-isu tentang omnimbus law banyak sekali yang beredar. Kami harap keadilan untuk rakyat dapat segera didengar.
  • Anonymous
    It is a delight to challenge myself, about moral justice issues and interesting to see what others are saying. I just love it. I love learning, again.
  • We are Human being so we have to power excise got a single injustice against judgment. Justice delayed Justice denied
  • Anonymous
    I did PhD in Equity. The Justice course conducted by Professor Michael J. Sandal is so useful to me broaden my horizon, professionalism even more. Thank you so much.

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