This graduate seminar addresses matters of religious commitment,
pluralism, and cultural identity in contemporary writings about
social justice.  We will first examine these issues in light of
liberal and communitarian theories of justice, and will then turn to
arguments from modern Judaism and Christianity that echo, challenge,
or amend those theories.  We will close by examining feminist and
multicultural contributions to recent debates about social justice. 
Topics will include: the basis of individual and institutional
responsibility, the place of religion in public life, the politics
of difference, and the challenge of tolerating intolerant groups in
democratic society.