The main purpose of this seminar is to understand the fundamental ideas that shaped our open societies, which are built – at least in theory - on the principles of market economy and constitutional democracy. The seminar will focus on the contemporary issues and challenges as well as on the perennial questions such as:

How do we define the concept of justice?

How should we harmonize the demands for freedom and equality in contemporary society?

Furthermore, we will examine how to deal with the growing pressures on the ideal of free speech, as well as address the relevant question of scope of the concept of meritocracy in the twenty-first century.

The seminar encourages free and civil discussion among participants. Students are expected to have completed required readings.

READINGS WILL INCLUDE ADAM SMITH, FRIEDRICH HAYEK, JOHN RAWLS, JOHN MILTON, JAMES MADISON, JACOB MCHANGAMA, & OTHERS.

https://www.abigailadamsinstitute.org/foundations-of-modern-political-economy