Tutor information
Doug Bamford
Doug Bamford teaches courses in philosophy and political economy at OUDCE. His main interest is in political philosophy and its application to public policy. He received his PhD in Political Philosophy at the University of Warwick in 2013. He is author of Rethinking Taxation (Searching Finance, 2014) and several papers (including articles in the Journal of Applied Philosophy and Moral Philosophy and Politics). He blogs at Doug Bamford's Tax Appeal.
Courses
Political philosophy contains some of the greatest writings in the Western intellectual tradition. This online course introduces you to the central questions concerning the state, by means of classical and contemporary texts.
Explore the ethical and economic issues arising from an unequal world with borders. Should we focus more on the poorest in the world and less on our fellow citizens? What are the implications for our policy on trade, aid, tax and immigration?
How much of a problem is the degradation of trust, honesty, and integrity in politics? Is it reasonable to expect politicians to be highly trustworthy? Join our panel event in Oxford to explore this topic.
Political philosophy contains some of the greatest writings in the Western intellectual tradition. This online course introduces you to the central questions concerning the state, by means of classical and contemporary texts.
Explore the ethical issues arising from migration. Consider issues such as whether borders should be more open and how migrants should be treated.
Taxation affects us all, and people often complain about it, but how can the system be improved? This introductory course for the lay person gives you the tools to analyse and assess potential tax system reforms.
Humanity is having an ever-increasing impact on the ecosystems of the earth. Do we as individuals or societies have a duty to do anything to limit our impact? This short course considers some of the key philosophical and policy debates.
Capitalism has come under criticism since its emergence in the 17th century. But is capitalism immoral? Or is it the best available economic system? Should capitalism be more constrained or less? Should markets be limited or should everything be for sale?
From astrology and miracle healing to conspiracy theories and alternative medicine - we apply critical thinking and investigate how people are able to convince themselves such beliefs are reasonable when they're not. Join us in Oxford or watch online.
From karma to nirvana, we explore core concepts and themes in classical Indian philosophy. In addition we consider how Oxford- based scholars Max Muller, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Bimal Krishna Matilal shaped western understanding of Indian thought.
Should there be limits on speech? Or should speech be completely and absolutely free and unfettered? Should hate speech be outlawed? Should some people be no-platformed? Consider the arguments at this day school - join us in Oxford or watch online.
What is the value of life? How should we think about life and death? We tend to think of killing as wrong (Thou shalt not kill!) but what about euthanasia, abortion, capital punishment and war? Join this course to discuss.
Can wars ever be just? Does it matter? We will look at the traditions of the "just war doctrine" to see how ethics coincides - or collides - with deadly fighting. We'll discuss Hiroshima, Ukraine and World War III. Join us in Oxford or watch online.
Explore the ethical and economic issues arising from an unequal world with borders. Should we focus more on the poorest in the world and less on our fellow citizens? What are the implications for various policies such as trade, aid, tax and immigration?
Is capitalism immoral? Or is it the best available economic system? Should capitalism be more constrained or less? Should everything be for sale, or should markets be limited?