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Ethics, Economics and Public Policy

Key information

  • Module code:

    6SSPP355

  • Level:

    6

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

The course will focus on different areas of public policy to show that moral theory and economic theory is essential in understanding how to set goals for public policy and how to measure their success. Moral theories have a practical role in guiding people’s choices between alternative goals, and also provide constraints for policy-makers. For example, programs for mandatory redistribution of organs may address organ shortages, but violate individuals’ right to their own bodies.  Economic theories are equally important. They model human behaviour, help us understand human choice in the context of resource scarcity and the problems created by different rules. How to increase tax compliance given people’s rational calculations of cost and benefit is one question economic theory can offer insights into. Most of the policy questions of our time have economic, moral and political dimensions we must understand in order to participate as informed voters or actors involved in political decision-making. This module will apply insights and tools from ethical theory, economics, and political science to policy-making and policy analysis. 

Assessment details

2 X 2,000-word essay (each counting for 50% of the final grade)

Educational aims & objectives

  • Introduce students to questions and puzzles in different areas of policy making.
  • Draw on complex policy analysis tools such as cost-benefit analysis, targets as performance measures, counterfactual policy analysis.
  • Show the way in which rights and moral values operate as goals and constraints on public policy.
  • Explain the role of political actors and their incentives in shaping public policy.

Learning outcomes

  • Have a good command of the conceptual vocabulary of policy-making and policy-analysis.
  • Distinguish between ethical, economic and political dimensions of public policy.
  • Be able to produce two independent analyses of public policies of their own choosing from a PPE perspective.

Teaching pattern

Provisional Lecture Structure

Week 1. Introduction. Exploitation.

Week 2. Environmental Policy. Cost-benefit analysis

Week 3. Science and Policy.

Week 4. Randomized control trials.

Week 5. Behavioural analysis: Nudging.

(Week 6: Reading Week)

Week 7. The ethics of markets.

Week 8. The ethics of resource redistribution.

Week 9. The ethics of incentives.

Week 10. The ethics of enhancement.

Week 11. The ethics of scarce resource allocation.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.