Course overview
To explain the transformation of greed from being one of the seven deadly sins to the socially-useful and morally acceptable drive of self-interest. The course will cover, among other things, an exploration of the following institutions, phenomena and ideas: self-interest; the division of labour; markets; luxury; the proper role of the state: liberalism and its critics; progress; virtue; classical communitarianism, anarchism, utilitarianism, classical political economy, the guaranteed basic income and the Grameen Bank; and the ideas of such important thinkers as John Locke, Adam Smith, Karl Marx and Max Weber.
- Self-Interest Before Smith
- From Smith To Marx
- The Triumph Of Liberalism
Course learning outcomes
- An ability to understand the ideological background of Western liberal capitalism as well as the arguments of its critics
- Enhanced skills in research, synthesis, organisation and presentation of information
- Familiarisation with the research skills necessary for working with primary sources
- Demonstrated ability to work independently
- Critically evaluate arguments
- An ability to conduct critical textual analysis
Degree list
The following degrees include this course