A critical examination of political philosophies such as Liberalism, Conservatism, Communitarianism, Libertarianism, Socialism, Feminism, Marxism, etc. through readings by influential thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Marx, Rawls, and contemporary writers. Topics include theories of human nature, conceptions of justice, the rights of individuals, distribution of wealth and power, the significance of ideology, and the role of markets. Also listed as PHIL 280.