Philosophy 109

Philosophy 109: Freedom and Responsibility

R. Jay Wallace

A systematic examination of freedom and responsibility. The following topics will be addressed (among others): the nature of freedom of will, freedom of action, freedom of thought, and autonomy; moral responsibility and its conditions; naturalism, determinism, and their relevance for human freedom; weakness and strength of will. Readings will be drawn from both historical and contemporary sources. The goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to historical and contemporary debates about the issues of freedom and responsibility. Prerequisite: at least eight units in philosophy.

Texts:

G. Watson, ed., Free Will (Oxford, 2003): 0-19-925494-X Anselm, Three Philosophical Dialogues (Hackett, 2002): 0872206114 V. Chappell, ed., Hobbes and Bramhall on Liberty and Necessity (Cambridge, 1999): 0521596688 R. Jay Wallace, Responsibility and the Moral Sentiments (Harvard, 1994): 978-0674766235