Economic analysis of public policy typically presumes that we know which ultimate objectives the legislator is pursuing. This course explores the philosophical foundations of such objectives: what is justice, what is the common good? Drawing on the works of philosophers from Antiquity (Plato, Aristotle) to the contemporary era (Rawls, Dworkin), the course will spell out fundamental philosophical views and debates. These philosophical debates are relevant to public policy choices in areas such as taxation, crime repression, etc.
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