University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module provides the opportunity for students to engage critically with the philosophical literature on the concept of political liberty. Students will read and discuss key texts in modern political philosophy, beginning with Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan. Students will critically analyze the various ways in which liberty has been conceptualised by the most important political thinkers in the modern era.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify and critically analyse argumemnts
  2. Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally.
  3. Complete projects that are well presented, based on independent research, correctly referenced, and cogently argued.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Between Past and Future" by Hannh Arendt
    Publisher: Penguin
  2. "Nonsense upon stilts" by Jeremy Bentham
    Publisher: Methuen
  3. "Liberty" by Isaiah Berlin
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  4. "The practice of liberal pluralism" by William Galston
    Publisher: Cambirdge University Press
  5. "Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  6. "The Spirit of the Laws" by Montesquieu
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
  7. "A Theory of Justice" by John Rawls
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  8. "The Morality of Freedom" by Joseph Raz
    Publisher: Clarendon Press
The above information outlines module SP3144: "Political Liberty" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.