S0917 Approaching Justice

In this course the elusive theme of justice and injustice is approached in a variety of ways, using insights from various scientific disciplines and focusing on a wide range of issues. The first part of this course takes us back to ancient Greek conceptions of justice and injustice, especially as articulated in Sophokles’tragedy Antigone and in Plato and Aristotle. Because there arose no consensus concerning justice and injustice the dialogue about justice continues, triggered by acts of power and violence. The second part is devoted to law and justice. Here we make use of literature and film in order to clarify the issues surrounding the trial and the role of the judges in interpreting law. The third part broadens the theme of justice towards literarure in general: how do people experience literarure and respond to works of fiction and what role can these play in reflecting on (in)justice)? The final part of this course confronts us with the question of evil and responsiblity, making use of social science research into the conditions influencing virtuous or evil behavior.

This course consists of four thematic parts. Part I is taught by Prof. Dr. Willem Witteveen, part II by Dr. Sanne Taekema, part III by Dr. Odile Heynders and part IV by Dr. Alkeline van Lenning. There will be lectures, interactive lectures, debate, individual and group assignments. The materials studied vary from classical philosophical texts and scientific articles to political speeches, works of literature and films. There will be a take-home exam during exam week.

This course is open to all students. No preliminary knowledge is needed.