Introductory description

The module will explore topics at the intersection of moral philosophy and the economic analysis and evaluation of public policy. It covers the following topics: Individual Choice and Rationality Collective Choice and Justice Well-Being and Well-Being Measurement Markets and their Ethical Limitations.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Topics covered: 1. Normative Decision Theory; 2. Rationality and Moral Evaluation; 3. Collective Choice; 4. Justice; 5. Markets, Freedom and Efficiency; 6. Gains from Trade; 7. Well-Being; 8. Externalities and Public Goods.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Students will show familiarity with key debates at the intersection of economics and philosophy and be able to apply philosophical and economic perspectives to select public policy issues.

Indicative reading list

Refer to online reading list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Interdisciplinary

Co-taught by Philosophy and Economics for PPE students only. Designed as part of our bridge model, providing real life context so that students can integrate their studies in the their disciplines and focus on important topics at the intersection of philosophy and economics.

Subject specific skills

A solid knowledge and understanding of:
(i) Philosophy: knowledge and understanding of ethical and philosophical debates.
(ii) Applied Economics: Knowledge and understanding of standard economic models and quantitative techniques with application to contemporary problems arising in public policy and the private sector.
(iii) Research issues: Familiarity with contemporary debates and latest research in some specialised areas of PPE. Evaluate how to approach a problem from the perspective of a contemporary researcher with a PPE background

Transferable skills

An established capacity of:
(i) Analytical thinking, reasoning and application.
(ii) Critical, creative and strategic thinking.
(iii) Abstraction and Problem solving.
(iv) Policy evaluation and the analysis of institutions.