Professor Mapel's research focuses on issues in moral philosophy and political theory, especially questions about the justification of individual self-defense and various moral asymmetry distinctions, e.g., intending/foreseeing, doing/allowing and killing/letting die. He is interested in how such distinctions are related to international ethics, especially to questions about the moral justification of military force. In addition, he is interested in recent theories of political obligation and their relationship to conscription and selective conscientious objection.
keywords
international ethics, just war theory, political obligation, First Amendment
PSCI 3774 - Free Speech and Dangerous Ideas
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018
Examines in depth various philosophical and legal justifications of First Amendment rights of speech, press, association and religion. Assesses these justifications in relation to broader normative theories of liberal democracy. Can also be taken for American field credit. Recommended prerequisites: PSCI 2004 and PSCI 2481. Formerly PSCI 4774.
PSCI 4024 - Senior Seminar in Political Theory
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018
Intensively analyzes and discusses major theories and issues of both contemporary political thought and the history of political philosophy. The topic is announced by the instructor, but might include analysis of concepts (justice, human rights, democracy, etc.) or major theories. Emphasizes advanced discussion plus individual research. Recommended prerequisite: PSCI 2004.
