Topics and course structure
The course will explore the issues of social inequality of social justice from both a theoretical and a
more practical perspective. Accordingly, it will be divided into two modules of 8 hours each,
entitled “Fundamental rights” and “Governing Innovation and sustainability (Economical, Social,
environmental)” respectively. The first module (Dr. Stefano Pippa) will explore some of the most
relevant contemporary theories of social justice, focusing on the way in which different theories, in
the wake of J. Rawls’ seminal work A theory of justice (1970) onwards, have articulated the relation
between equality and freedom. Authors to be discussed in the module may include J. Rawls, A. Sen,
M. Nussbaum, R. Dworkin, E. Balibar. The second module (Dr. Mauro Giacomazzi) will immerse
students in practical cases that showcase the dynamic relationship between social inequality, social
justice, innovation, and sustainability. Drawing on real-world examples, students will analyse cases
spanning various dimensions such as education, healthcare, and access to resources, examining how
factors like cultural stereotypes, gender, and socioeconomic status intersect to perpetuate disparities.
Students will also analyse cases that illustrate the application of theoretical frameworks, focusing
mostly on grassroots movements, shedding light on effective strategies for promoting sustainable,
culturally appropriate equity and inclusion.

Objectives
The two-fold aim of the course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge of some of the most
important contemporary theories of social justice (module 1) and to immerse students in practical
cases that showcase the dynamic relationship between social inequality, social justice, innovation,
and sustainability (module II).

Methodologies
The course will combine lectures and seminars. Students may be asked to read selected papers and
to prepare some texts before classes for the seminars.