Informations du cours

This course aims to offer the conceptual and normative tools to explore the justification of philanthropy from the perspective of public ethics in political theory. The lectures examine the role of philanthropy in shaping public policies and addressing social issues across a variety of instances (for example, philanthropy and democracy; philanthropy and the media; cross-border philanthropy; fiscal incentives for philanthropy). By the end of the course, the students will have developed a theoretical toolkit to apply to the analysis and assessment of the various ways in which philanthropy may benefit the public, as well as the ethical challenges that resorting to philanthropy may pose in a polity.

The course is divided into two parts with two general objectives. In the first part, we will examine the concept of philanthropy against other forms of institutional action. We will also analyze various forms of philanthropy, including charitable giving, social entrepreneurship, impact investing, and corporate social responsibility. The objective is to conceptualize the various dimensions of philanthropy and the ethical challenges they may raise—for example, the accountability of nonprofit organizations, and responsibility for effective donations. By the end of this part, students will be able to analyze case studies of philanthropic initiatives from a public ethics perspective. In the second part, we will discuss the justification of philanthropy in view of its potential to address policy issues and enhance or undermine public institutional action. We will discuss the contributions of philanthropy in various public domains, including the social provision of public goods, the reduction of inequality, and the promotion of democratic participation. The objective is to assess normatively how philanthropy should be organized and regulated in view of its public significance—for example concerning the support of political candidates, and the contribution to public media communication. By the end of this part, students will be able to assess case studies of philanthropic initiatives through the lenses of such normative ideals as transparency, accountability, justice, and legitimacy.