UMass Boston

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Philosophical Foundations of Public Policy

Course Overview

Date / Time Location Credits Minimium Tuition*
1/26/26 - 5/13/26
MoWeFr 9a.m. – 9:50a.m.		 McCormack M01-0410 3 $2065 (guest students)
Date
1/26/26 - 5/13/26
Time
MoWeFr 9a.m. – 9:50a.m.
Location
McCormack M01-0410
Credits
3
Min. Tuition*
$2065 (guest students)

Description

This course explores several central philosophical frameworks underlying contemporary public policy debates, including various conceptions of social justice and human rights, utilitarian theory and decision theory. The role of philosophy in public policy will be illustrated through an analysis of such contemporary issues as foreign policy and human rights, tax policy, cost benefit analysis, environmental and health care issues, workfare, world population problems, and the dangerous mentally ill.

Guest registration opens January 12

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Course Details

Session

Regular Academic Session

Class Dates

1/26/2026 - 5/13/2026

Location

McCormack M01-0410

General Ed Requirements

Humanities

Enrolled / Capacity

20 / 36

Status

Closed

Instructor

Christopher Zurn

Tuition*

$2065 (guest students)

* The tuition estimate is based on minimum, single-course cost to a new student who is a Massachusetts resident and not enrolled in a multi-course program. State residency, online/in person modality, and matriculation to a degree program may affect cost.

Tuition Details