PHI 180 Freedom

Freedom is an effervescent topic for discussion. Today it is one of the central tenets of western civilization, though it remains one of its fuzziest ideas. What might it mean and portend? This course will examine that word's meaning from various intellectual angles - including the biological, the legal, the empirical, the empathetic, the philosophical, the political, the religious, the sexual, and the mythological. Themes include: the relationship between the individual and society; hierarchical organization; when it is possible (or even moral) to break the law; if freedom can be institutionalized and, if so, for what reasons can those institutions be overthrown; and whether freedom is limited to political laws or is subject to different limits, like ethical or religious norms or even feelings. This is accomplished through traditional lectures, multimedia presentations, skits, surveys and a game.

Topics covered include biology, law, empiricism, philosophy, anti-philosophy, politics, intimacy, divinity, mythology, revolution and memory.