Freedom

Catalog description

This course examines various notions of freedom from historical and contemporary perspectives. Specific topics include: free will vs. determinism; hard vs. soft determinism; the role of science in our conception of freedom; political notions of freedom; existential conceptualizations of freedom; and legal notions of freedom. Prerequisite(s): PHIL 11000 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- OR PHIL 11100 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- OR PHIL 12000 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- OR PHIL 15000 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- OR PHIL 32100 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- OR PHIL 32400 FOR LEVEL UG WITH MIN. GRADE OF D- Course Learning Outcomes 1. Become familiar with major competing conceptions of freedom. 2. Demonstrate a competent understanding of issues and arguments pertaining to the nature and value of freedom, both in metaphysical terms (for example, are our actions free in the sense of not being causally determined?) and with regard to ethics and politics. 3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in connection with understanding concepts, analyzing issues, and assessing arguments. View Class Schedule