The United States Constitution declares as one of its purposes: "To establish justice." What did the Framers mean by that? How has the term "justice" been defined, contested, and implemented in history? What can poets, philosophers, playwrights, and great figures in history tell us about justice as a theory and as a practical guide to human action?

In this course, we will study philosophers, thinkers, and writers who have investigated the idea and the reality of justice. Using plays, novels, speeches, and motion pictures, among other sources, we will examine the idea of justice and how various figures and societies have historically conceived of and applied justice. We will also apply notions of justice to our own understanding of real problems of human law and action. For example: Are some kinds of inequality unjust while other kinds are just? How can our understanding of justice be applied to the treatment of animals, abortion, capital punishment, suicide, and war? What is justice in relation to God and the family? What are the cures for injustice?

Here are the first week's assignments, including a two page reflection and readings. Note that you should have read Sophocles, Antigone, entirely for the first session.

Session 1

Assignment 1

Like Aristotle, we shall begin our inquiry about justice by reviewing human experience. Therefore, for the first class to be held on Monday, August 21, prepare and bring to class a reflection not to exceed two typed double spaced pages on ONE of the following four possible experiences:

• An action undertaken by you that you would judge to be an act of injustice, or
• An action undertaken by you that you would judge to be an act of justice, or
• An action that you would judge to have been unjust to you, or
• An action that you would judge to have been just to you.

Note: I am not looking for your views on a social or moral "cause." Rather, I would like you to reflect solely on your own personal experience.

Send a copy of your reflection to me by email attachment.

Readings:

Sophocles, Antigone

Session 2

Readings:

Sophocles, Antigone

Anouilh, Antigone