Programme Requirement 

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The 60 credit programme consists of two semesters, distributed as follows:     

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• 3 required core courses (27 credits) (Semester 1)

• 3 elective MA courses (18 credits) (Semester 2)

• 1 MA portfolio project (15 credits) (Semester 2)

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All instruction is in English and assessment is 100% coursework, which may include discussion, participation, oral presentations, tests, research essays, problem sets, group work, written reports, design projects, community outreach projects, industry outreach or internship projects, and other experiential learning activities.

Core Course

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PHIL7101 Foundations of PPE: Reasons and Methods (9 credits)
 
This course will consolidate the theoretical and formal foundations of PPE, with a special focus on mastery of the overlapping and complementary conceptual toolkit and reasoning methods employed by all three constituent disciplines (philosophy, politics, and economics). Conceptual areas with special emphasis include decision theory and rational choice (analysis of how agents do or should choose between competing outcomes under uncertainty) game theory (analysis of agents’ behaviours in strategic interactive situations and various equiliabria concepts), statistics, logic (the formal representation of proof in sentential logic, and the informal representation of – better and worse – reasoning in, e.g., argument-mapping), as well as the substantive tools and reasoning required to make comparative claims and assessments. 

PHIL7102 Foundations of PPE: Theory and Practice of Politics (9 credits)

 

This course will delve into the intersection of politics and philosophy, through consideration of the philosophical and ethical dimensions of politics, but also the different dimensions of empirical political science and their normative implications. The theory-centred components of this course offer students an in-depth understanding of how to interpret, justify, and draw predictions concerning political phenomena and institutions, in addition to philosophical and methodological reflections on questions such as, ‘What makes politics special?’, ‘How should we define ‘the political’?’ and ‘What are the connections between ideal and non-ideal political theories?’. The empirically rooted and applied dimensions of this course, on the other hand, survey fields including international relations, political sociology, and comparative government. Throughout, the course will incorporate comparative dimensions and discussions.

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PHIL7103 Foundations of PPE: Ethics and Economics (9 credits)

 

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between ethics and economics within the framework of PPE. By examining the ethical dimensions of economic systems and policies, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how ethical considerations shape economic decision-making and outcomes. The course begins by introducing students to the fundamental theories and concepts in ethics and economics. Students will explore ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, and understand how these theories can inform economic analysis and decision-making. Building on this foundation, students will investigate the nature of (basic) moral value, the purported justification of the market and market freedoms, the relationship between autonomy and interpersonal exchange, and the ethical dimensions of consumer behaviours. The course, then, delves into various ethical issues that arise within economic systems, including income inequality, poverty, resource allocation, environmental sustainability, sanctions, and corporate social responsibility. Through case studies and real-world examples, students will critically analyze the ethical dimensions of economic policies and practices, and assess their impact on individuals, communities, and the global society. Furthermore, the course examines the ethical implications of economic theories and models, such as market efficiency, rational choice theory, and behavioural economics. Students will evaluate the ethical implications of economic assumptions and explore alternative approaches that incorporate ethical considerations into economic analysis. In addition to ethics, the course explores the role of economics in shaping ethical frameworks and moral decision-making. Students will examine how economic incentives and constraints influence individual and collective behavior, and assess the ethical implications of economic systems on human flourishing and social justice. By the end of the course, students will have developed a robust toolkit for analyzing and addressing ethical issues within economic contexts, and be equipped to contribute to informed and ethical decision-making. Throughout, the course will incorporate comparative perspectives.

 

Elective Course

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(Not all elective courses listed below will be offered each year)

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PHIL7104 Intellectual History (6 credits)

 

Contemporary ideas about the nature, scope, and ethics of political institutions, markets, and societies rely on particular historical foundations. For instance: Contemporary East Asian views about rights and litigation emerge from Confucian and Legalist debates about virtue and punishment, and the idea of cosmopolitanism was indeed deeply influenced by the Stoic school during the Hellenistic period. Quite apart from these examples, the modern understanding of the relationship between citizens in a polity and in communities is shaped by a range of historical ideas and thinkers. The aim of this course is to introduce students to some of these historical foundations by a close study of the texts and commentators that gave rise to them. By the end of this course, students will be able to explicate the relationship between modern ideas of virtue, justice, fairness, etc. and historical traditions of the same.

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PHIL7105 Comparative Political Philosophy (6 credits)

 

This course is an introduction to the study of political philosophy across Western and other traditions. Questions include the nature and authority of political institutions, the normative relationship between citizens and government, tensions between coercive and more virtue-conducive methods of governance, democracy and meritocracy, the nature of property, human rights, how just laws are designed and enforced, what makes a government “legitimate”, and how political institutions may govern economic institutions. Other topics may include questions about the theoretical arguments for particular political arrangements (e.g., appeals to the state of nature, Rawls’s Original Position), and the nature of political change.

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PHIL7106 Philosophy of Law / Jurisprudence (6 credits)

 

This course will explore a range of philosophical issues about law and legal institutions in contemporary societies. It will address questions concerning the nature of law and its relation to other social, political and economic institutions and values. Questions to be pursued include the following: What is law? Does law have any necessary form or content in order to qualify as law at all? Or is law just the organized exercise of political power? What role does and should law play in recognising and sustaining other values such as liberty, dignity, equality, and justice (including in theories of punishment)? What is the Rule of Law? Is it necessary in fostering economic development? Is its meaning culturally specific? What is the potential for law in addressing the most pressing problems of our time such as global warming or the regulation of artificial intelligence? Alternatively, are there any limits to what law can – and should – do? Questions like these, and more, will be addressed through readings drawn from historical and contemporary sources as well judgements from cases from leading courts.

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PHIL7107 Institutional Economics (6 credits)

 

This course is a close study of the theoretical philosophical assumptions in, and foundations of, economic institutions. A core component of this course revolves around the significance and value of institutions – how do they shape economic development and growth, and to what extent are institutions dependent upon or able to contribute towards the evolution of social norms? This course will also encourage students to reflect upon the more philosophical aspects of institutional theory, such as the evaluative ranking of different economic outcomes (for instance: outcomes with differing amounts of economic inequality), the nature of various economic institutions and artifacts (for instance: the nature of money and markets), and a range of other normative or ethical issues that arise from the governance and management of institutions.

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PHIL7108 Social and Political Epistemology (6 credits)

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Social institutions, organizations, and practices raise a host of epistemic issues and concerns. For example: It’s commonplace to think that groups, or institutions, can know things. For instance: The FDA knows that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe. But how can institutions (such as the FDA) know anything at all -- they don’t, after all, have minds! Does the knowledge of a group, or institution, decompose to the knowledge of its members? For another example: sometimes, various political decision making practices are defended on epistemic grounds, such as that they’re most likely to lead to the correct result. Yet is this a good defense of a way of making decisions, let alone political institutions? What would have to be true of the decisions made by groups in order for those decisions to be defensible from an epistemic point of view? How should we appropriately respond to disagreement among members of a community? How can we deal with the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and other epistemic problems? This course will explore these and other (related) issues in political epistemology. 

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PHIL7109 Public Policymaking (6 credits)

 

Philosophy, politics, and economics are not just theoretical disciplines: they have real-world consequences, they make predictions about the way the world will actually turn out, and they are  testable on the basis of those claims. In other words, they are also applied disciplines. In this course, students will be exposed to a particular applied issue (or applied issue set) about which politics, philosophy, and economics make predictions or claims, and will evaluate the different theoretical tools each discipline provides for thinking about these issues. The aim of this course is to provide students an opportunity to apply abstract methods to concrete policy issues. Examples of policy issues potentially discussed include market failure, public education, food and drug policies, inequality, climate change, artificial intelligence, housing, elderly care, etc. Where applicable, the course will be supplemented with units in empirical methods, statistics, survey or risk assessments, etc.

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PHIL7112 PPE Workshop (6 credits)

 

In this course students will be required to attend an academic or professional workshop whose topic is relevant to PPE. Preparation for the workshop will include (i) reading the relevant research to be discussed at the workshop, (ii) discussion of the material in advance of the workshop to prepare for the discussion (including collaborating with peers to develop questions and issues to address with the other participants of the workshop). At the workshop students will take notes and participate in a discussion of the workshop presentations. After the workshop students will prepare research reports on the issues discussed at the workshop, including outlines of plans for future work on the topics. Students enrolled in this course will be supervised by the seminar teacher throughout their preparation, attendance, and after-workshop activities. Seminar sessions will be conducted by the seminar teacher to facilitate planning, student coordination and sharing, peer-feedback, and joint discussion of relevant research, experiences, and culminating reports.

 

PHIL7113 Asian Geoeconomics (6 credits)

 

Many say this is the Asian century. Yet what exactly does this entail? This course unpacks the substantive contents, variations, and nuances undergirding Asia - through perspectives intersecting both geopolitics and economics. Geopolitical insights, drawing from international relations theories to ancient Chinese philosophy, will prove illuminating when it comes to enabling students to understand how countries view and relate with one another. Economic analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, will empower students to examine the material and resource elements of regional dynamics - including the distribution of resources and supply chains, as well as the role played by multilateral organisations such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and ASEAN in shaping the most populous continent on Earth. The aim of this course is to demonstrate how philosophy, politics, and economics can and should be applied effectively to interpret and prescribe policies for countries in relative proximity - geographical and cultural - to us.

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PHIL7114 Business and Society (6 credits)

 

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between business organizations and the broader society in which they operate. The course explores the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of business activities, as well as the responsibilities and roles businesses have in addressing societal challenges. Throughout the course, students will critically examine the key issues, dilemmas, and controversies that arise when business interests intersect with societal needs and expectations. They will develop a deeper understanding of the ethical frameworks and theories that guide responsible business practices and explore the role of business in shaping and influencing social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

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PHIL7115 Comparative Ethics (6 credits)

 

Morality and ethics are hugely relevant in our everyday lives, and should be approached in a methodical manner. This course explores the complexities and nuances of ethically complex and challenging puzzles. Drawing upon Chinese, Western, and other accounts on the subject, this course engages in thought-provoking discussions and case studies reflective of pressing contemporary dilemmas. Areas that will be surveyed include bioethics, environmental ethics, business ethics, and digital ethics, with special attention given to the complexities surrounding individual identity, the concept of personhood, relational ethics, and the ethical implications of autonomy in end-of-life decisions and reproductive rights. Students will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to apply ethical reasoning to complex real life situations, preparing them to confront ethical and policy challenges with confidence and integrity.

 

PHIL7116 Foreign Policy and Politics of Contemporary China (6 credits)

 

Making sense of China - especially its domestic politics and foreign policy - can be an incredibly difficult process. Engaging with a mixture of contemporary and historical sources and dimensions concerning China’s rise, this course provides students the opportunity to engage with the political institutions, cultures, and intricacies and idiosyncrasies within its bureaucracy, which would equip them the skills to understand China as it is today, relative to both its past and future. What are the primary drivers and determinants of China’s foreign policy? What will the relationship between China and the Global South and the economically developed world look like, going forward? Where do academics, businesses, intellectuals, and citizens fit into the picture? These are but some of the questions that the course will address. Students will also be encouraged to understand Chinese politics through drawing upon perspectives in the sociological and philosophical traditions.

 

PHIL7117 Future of Humanity (6 credits)

 

This course will explore the future of humanity, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The course will begin by examining the current state of humanity, including the global population, the environment, and the economy, and then explore some of the major trends that are likely to shape the future of humanity, such as advances in technology, demographic changes, climate change, existential threats, and major crises. Throughout the course, students will examine the ethical and moral implications of these trends and explore potential solutions to the challenges they pose. The course will also cover the role of government and international organizations in shaping the future of humanity, as well as the responsibilities of individuals and communities; and key principles, strategies, and best practices required to navigate and mitigate various types of risks and crises. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the major challenges and opportunities facing humanity in the coming decades. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to think critically about the future and to contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond.

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​PHIL7118 Language and Politics (6 credits)

 

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of how language influences and shapes political discourse and decision-making processes. The course will explore how politicians, political activists, and other political actors use language to frame issues, build coalitions, and persuade others. We will also consider how language can be used to exclude, marginalize, and silence certain groups of people. Students will delve into the intricate relationship between language and politics, examining various theoretical perspectives, case studies, and practical examples. In addition, the course will include further topics, such as: how messages spread online, fake news, misinformation, conceptual change and engineering, political disagreement, public discourse, and journalistic practice.

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PHIL7119 Political Language and Essential Contestability (6 credits)

 

The course provides an introduction to the idea that some concepts are essentially contestable. We first explore different ways of understanding this essential contestability (from Gallie until today), different theoretical frameworks, and some objections to those frameworks. We then discuss a series of examples: Justice, Democracy, and Freedom. We ask how their essential contestability affects political discourse and political decision making. In the final sessions, we focus on how these concepts affect the ability of China and the West to have constructive political conversations.

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PHIL7120 Science and Society (6 credits)

 

This course explores the dynamic relationship between science and society. Students will examine the ways in which science has influenced and been influenced by social, political, economic, and cultural contexts throughout history. Topics covered may include: the fundamental principles and methodologies that underpin scientific inquiry (e.g., philosophical debates on objectivity, scientific realism, and the social dimensions of scientific knowledge), the role of science in public policy (i.e., how scientific knowledge is integrated into political decision-making processes), how policy choices influence scientific research agendas. the ethical dimensions and competing stakeholder interests of scientific research and technological innovation, the moral and economic implications of scientific advancements, the impact of science on society, and the communication of scientific information to the public. Through discussions, readings, and case studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between science and society. No prior scientific or technical knowledge is required.
 

​​​PHIL7121 Critical Thinking in Finance (6 credits) 

 

At the core of modern financial economic theory is a price mechanism developed with the assumptions of rationality, utility maximization, and atomistic self-interest. Arbitrage—the self-interested profit-seeking trading of individual risk-averse actors—results in market prices that preclude excess returns. Modern financial economics builds upon this price mechanism, and the principles of utility theory, to understand and assess the financial world around us: from financial innovations such as derivatives and crypto currencies to distribution outcomes.

 

The critiques of neoclassical price theory focus on its main postulates and assumptions: (1) frictionless arbitrage, (2) rationality (primarily from cognitive psychology), and (3) atomistic actors (primarily from economic sociology). For example, behavioral economists have demonstrated experimentally non-rational preferences, while economic sociologists have expanded the constraints important for pricing beyond pecuniary resources to social structural resources. Divergence from neoclassical theory allows for price anomalies: market prices that certain actors can exploit for excess returns. The critique of atomistic utility maximization also highlights the consequentialist bias of neoclassical normative prescriptions.

 

This course reviews the main theoretical alternatives to rational risk-based price theory in order to properly assess the equitability of financial outcomes such as wealth inequality.

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PHIL7122 Inequality: Economics, Philosophical, and Policy Perspectives (6 credits) 

 

This course provides a rigorous and multidisciplinary examination of inequality, a topic of central concern to economists, philosophers, and political theorists. We will delve into the historical trends and contemporary manifestations of inequality, critically evaluating different metrics for measurement. The course will analyze the complex interplay of economic, social, and political forces that drive inequality, exploring its potential causes and consequences. A key focus will be the normative dimensions of inequality. We will engage with diverse philosophical perspectives on the ethical implications of inequality, addressing questions of fairness, justice, and the (dis)value of different forms of inequality. This ethical framework will inform our analysis of policy responses to inequality. We will critically assess a range of policy proposals aimed at mitigating objectionable forms of inequality, considering their potential effectiveness, limitations, and ethical implications.

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PHIL7123 Law, Science, Economics and Innovation Policy (6 credits) 

 

This course provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the intersections between law, science and innovation. Students will explore the ways in which legal and innovation policy promotes and regulates science and innovation, and how non-legal policy mechanisms that may serve as complements or substitutes. Students will also consider how science and innovation may shape the future development of policy, including but not limited to the relevant impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

 

PHIL7124 Normative Issues in Global Political Economy (6 credits) 

 

This course introduces students to the cutting-edge normative debates in global political economy. It covers some of the major ethical and moral issues given rise to by today’s global basic structure, characterised by a globalised neoliberal economy, a state-centred international governance model, and deep value pluralism. The first part of the course focuses on the metaethical discussions about the proper normative framework and foundation for assessing global political economy issues. It covers topics such as the debate between cosmopolitans and particularists over the scope of justice, the challenge of cultural pluralism, and the significance of national identity. After acquainting students with the metaethical debates, the second part of the course dives into some major normative debates in global political economy. It discusses questions such as: should cross-border financial movement be restricted to protect democracy? Is economically decoupling with authoritarian regimes a moral obligation? What is the injustice (if any) of tax avoidance? Does environmentalism require “degrowth”? Is it justified for states to tax emigrants? At the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge to make and assess normative judgments on different global political economy issues.

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Portfolio Project

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PHIL7998 Capstone Experience: MA Portfolio Project in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (15 credits)

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Students in this course will produce a portfolio of written work (~12,000-18,000 words). This written work can take one of two basic forms: (i) academic writing targeted at and appropriate for engaged though not necessarily well-informed academic audiences and (ii) non-academic but nevertheless rigorously researched and carefully argued writing targeted at and appropriate for policy-makers, decision-makers, and other stakeholders. Examples of (i) include academic article-length papers addressed to some particular issue in PPE. Examples of (ii) include reports and policy papers (including executive summaries) addressed to a practical question touching PPE. These approaches are not mutually exclusive, and students are encouraged to diversify their portfolio throughout its development. Whichever combination of approaches is taken, students’ work will be based on assignments and research conducted during their course work, which will then be elaborated through independent research, peer review, and expert supervision. Students will apply the advanced methods, skills, and knowledge they’ve acquired throughout the programme to improve their portfolio projects and bring them to the standards of either academic or professional writing, sourcing, and presentation. In addition to supervision meetings, students will be required to attend a pro-seminar where they will present their work-in-progress and receive peer-feedback on their portfolio throughout its development.

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