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 obtained his PhD in 2013 and became an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) in 2023. He is author of Rethinking Taxation (Searching Finance, 2014) and several papers (including articles in the Journal of Applied Philosophy, Moral Philosophy and Politics, Problema, and Think). 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.
Few would disagree that equality of opportunity is a good thing and discrimination is wrong. Yet there are significant disagreements about how to interpret these concepts and their implications for policy. This short course engages the ethical debates.
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.
Businesses need to make a profit to survive and thrive. Does that mean that anything goes? Or do businesses have ethical obligations? How should they treat their workers, customers and society? Join this short course to discuss business ethics.
How much should each of us contribute to and receive from society? This political and economic topic generates a lot of debate and disagreement. This course introduces the rival principles of justice that drive political disagreements.
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?
Transitioning from a fossil-fuelled economy to a net zero one is a huge tax. Can it be done? And are we doing it in a fair and efficient manner? This course considers the costs and benefits of the clean energy transformation.
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? Join as to explore these questions and more.