Back to Moral Foundations of Politics
Yale University

Moral Foundations of Politics

When do governments deserve our allegiance, and when should they be denied it? This course explores the main answers that have been given to this question in the modern West. We start with a survey of the major political theories of the Enlightenment: Utilitarianism, Marxism, and the social contract tradition. In each case, we begin with a look at classical formulations, locating them in historical context, but then shift to the contemporary debates as they relate to politics today. Next, we turn to the rejection of Enlightenment political thinking, again exploring both classical and contemporary formulations. The last part of the course deals with the nature of, and justifications for, democratic politics, and their relations to Enlightenment and Anti-Enlightenment political thinking. In addition to exploring theoretical differences among the various authors discussed, considerable attention is devoted to the practical implications of their competing arguments. To this end, we discuss a variety of concrete problems, including debates about economic inequality, affirmative action and the distribution of health care, the limits of state power in the regulation of speech and religion, and difficulties raised by the emerging threat of global environmental decay.

Status: Social Justice
Status: Policy Analysis
Course46 hours

Featured reviews

AM

5.0Reviewed Sep 21, 2020

Absolutely loved the course design, structure and content! Prof. Shapiro's lectures were always engaging and enjoyable. The readings were also perfectly chosen and added great value to the course.

IP

5.0Reviewed Jun 7, 2020

Professor Shapiro's explanation of the concepts was excellent. This course gave me a clearer understanding of many theories and the perspective of many prominent political thinkers and economists.

CW

5.0Reviewed Oct 31, 2015

This was a phenomenal course that really motivated me to understand the moral foundations of arguments and systems of politics. I look forward to retaining my course material and studying it.

CM

5.0Reviewed Jul 20, 2021

This course is great for any beginners who wish to learn more about the 'science' behind politics. :) The lectures are very interesting and thought-provoking, definitely a course I'd recommend!

FC

4.0Reviewed Jun 2, 2019

Great content with much reference material provided to allow you to deepen your understanding. I would prefer a more standard lecturing approach than the intimate discussion setting used.

AV

4.0Reviewed Apr 12, 2020

It is very well done. It touches all the political theories but that is it, it just touches them. It is still worth taking and you will also learn which one of the theories you can relate to.

AN

5.0Reviewed Sep 24, 2021

Loved every bit of it. Professor Ian's teachings really opened up my mind to different avenues of political thought and has me yearning for even more of an in depth understanding of the same.

RY

5.0Reviewed Apr 25, 2021

This course really taught me the views of the world, and how to look at things critically. The history of politics helped to shape my understanding of systems and makes me want to learn more.

RS

5.0Reviewed May 27, 2018

I learned way more than I'd imagined, and puts a broader perspective on today's political climate by learning about past theories, its values, its failures, and what we can take away from it.

MS

5.0Reviewed Jun 10, 2020

Wonderful course. All political developments are taught in a chronological way. Professor is very engaging. Its not live any other course but more of a discussion between students and professor.

SS

5.0Reviewed Jul 1, 2020

The lectures are easy to understand, the reading materials informative. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and any beginner will be able to grasp the technicalities of Moral Politics after this Course.

BR

4.0Reviewed Oct 29, 2025

This was recorded during the Obama years, which in 2025 feels like 100 years ago. It's still valuable, but I would love to hear how thoughts on democracy have changed due to more recent events.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 1,130

Ishita Phuloria
5.0
Reviewed Jun 8, 2020
Eleanor Stocks
5.0
Reviewed Jun 28, 2020
Sharon D. Marsh
5.0
Reviewed Dec 16, 2015
Denisse Tan
5.0
Reviewed Jun 10, 2019
Hans Goslinga
5.0
Reviewed May 17, 2016
Michael Suchocki
5.0
Reviewed Sep 17, 2015
Tabitha Hamon
2.0
Reviewed Nov 11, 2020
Jonathan Golland
1.0
Reviewed Dec 12, 2017
Lorelyn Dumaug
5.0
Reviewed Nov 7, 2020
Neelam Jeevan Kumar
5.0
Reviewed Dec 29, 2015
Christopher Waldeck
5.0
Reviewed Nov 1, 2015
Pablo Alberto Ramirez Tafur
5.0
Reviewed May 13, 2019
David Ross
5.0
Reviewed Jun 12, 2020
Shem
5.0
Reviewed May 7, 2020
Ambika Malik
5.0
Reviewed Sep 22, 2020
Lucas Carlos Maria Orquera
5.0
Reviewed Jun 1, 2020
Saif
5.0
Reviewed Jul 2, 2020
Conor Duffy
5.0
Reviewed Feb 21, 2016
Kirsten Woodard
1.0
Reviewed Jul 11, 2019
Trisha Dutta
5.0
Reviewed Jun 28, 2016