Philosophy, Governance, and Public Policy

Public policy affects us all, but it also reflects a nation’s commitments and concerns. It is important, therefore, that we critically reflect on its goals and implementation. This course evaluates the ways in which ethics and political philosophy can inform our thinking about issues in and pertaining to governance and public policy. Topics may include the trade off between ideal policy and practical feasibility, the role of science and Indigenous knowledge in informing public policy, how to measure wellbeing and offer due consideration to the interests of future generations, the right to privacy, immigration and open borders, minority rights, etc.