Courses - Spring 2026
PHIL438V
Topics in Value Theory; The Theory of Voting
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with PHPE408O. Credit granted only for PHIL438V or PHPE408O.
When friends disagree about where to go for dinner or citizens choose between political candidates, how should the group decide? This course investigates the theory behind voting and collective decision-making, examining different voting methods, surprising paradoxes that arise in elections, and fundamental results about what fair group decisions can and cannot achieve. No prior background in social choice theory is assumed, though familiarity with rational choice theory and/or game theory will be helpful (e.g., PHPE 400, GVPT 390, or introductory microeconomics).
When friends disagree about where to go for dinner or citizens choose between political candidates, how should the group decide? This course investigates the theory behind voting and collective decision-making, examining different voting methods, surprising paradoxes that arise in elections, and fundamental results about what fair group decisions can and cannot achieve. No prior background in social choice theory is assumed, though familiarity with rational choice theory and/or game theory will be helpful (e.g., PHPE 400, GVPT 390, or introductory microeconomics).
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Phone:
301.405.1000
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