MA/MS in Philosophy: Moral and Political Philosophy

The master's explores fundamental issues in moral and political philosophy, drawing on Leiden University's expertise in practical philosophy across that whole field. Political philosophy research at Leiden runs through the Centre for Political Philosophy, housed in the Leiden Institute of Philosophy, uniting researchers across the university's various institutes, branches and fields who share an active interest in political philosophy. Coursework centres on fundamental problems in moral and political philosophy. Students work through philosophical reflection on what underlies individual action and society, covering its foundational and normative principles, including how individual responsibility relates to structural justice, what grounds moral discourse, and what practical judgment itself rests on. In-class discussion builds analytical and communicative skills, and classes are kept small to allow close contact between students and lecturers.