This class will introduce students to some of the central issues, theories, and debates in ethics and social philosophy. From its onset with the ancient Greeks, philosophy (philosophia), as a “love of wisdom", has always been concerned with matters of morality and social behaviour. How did our moral ideas and values arise in human history? What is the nature of virtue, justice, friendship, and freedom? To address such questions, we will explore what it is to be a human being. Are human beings isolated individuals, or are we inherently social and communal creatures? What is the role of gender and race in the construction of our identities? To further explore these questions, we will engage in a study of ongoing social issues, such as racism and colonialism, and how we might address them. In particular, in light of recent events (e.g., Black Lives Matter; ongoing police brutality), we will investigate the nature and role of violence and non-violence in resisting oppression and in encouraging social transformation. Lectures: Three hours a week. 11-01-2022-07-04-2022 Lecture Tuesday, Thursday 02:30PM - 03:45PM, SDU Main Bldg, Room 432
- Enseignant: Max Schaefer