Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

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Philosophy, Politics and Economics is a specialisation in the Social Sciences major. A wide variety of societal problems require a political solution, have an important economic dimension, and present ethical dilemmas. This includes contemporary challenges ranging from immigration to democratic representation in the European Union, and from global development to corporate disasters. Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) provides for an integrative approach to solving such problems in a sustainable way.

This perspective focuses on institutions such as property, the market, the state, and democracy, each of which is crucial to how societies function. Economics and political science shed light on how these institutions work and what incentives they provide to individuals. Students will be prepared to get involved in policy making and in providing evidence base for policy. Philosophy addresses the normative question as to what roles institutions should play in a society and in particular how the state should treat its citizens. By combining these three disciplines, the major PPE offers complementary analytical, critical, and empirical tools suitable for addressing today’s societal problems.

PPE offers students a broad outlook on society. Its job prospects include multinationals, consultancy firms, and journalism. Students of PPE can take up positions in politics, at national governmental agencies and at global institutions such as the World Bank and the United Nations.

The coordinator of the PPE major is Prof. dr. Alette Smeulers

This is what a specialisation in PPE looks like this year:

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