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: Economics
Status: Economics, Policy, and Social Studies
Course46 hours

Featured reviews

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.

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.

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!

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.

AP

5.0Reviewed Jul 16, 2021

This course has open up my mind to the awareness of the political world and the way of thinking of certain politicians gives me an idea of what methods of foundation they use to rule the nation.

MS

5.0Reviewed Sep 16, 2015

excellant work dont by Dr Ian Shapiro and staff on putting such a mind turning,thought provoking MOOC on a complex and ever controversial subject known as POLITICS!..I hope to see more from them soon

ES

5.0Reviewed Jun 28, 2020

Such a great course! I have learned so much, the teaching was really incredible. I am hoping to use this course to go on to study a Masters in Politics so this education has been invaluable to me.

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.

EC

5.0Reviewed Jul 1, 2020

Extremely insightful, interesting and engaging, coming from a person that has shallow knowledge of the world of politics. well paced and easy to follow with well-structured quizzes for each week.

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