ASSIGNMENT

In this course we will debate the nature of freedom, responsibility, the standards of moral praise and blame, and the morality of punishment. We begin by discussing foundational questions: What is freedom and what does it require? Does freedom matter? Could scientists reveal to us that the laws of nature prevent us from being free? We will then explore problems arising from the foundational debates: Does moral responsibility require freedom? Does responsibility come in degrees? We will consider potentially mitigating conditions of responsibility: Should people be blamed (or praised) for their actions when upbringing, character, and environment appear to be largely matters of luck? Finally, we will consider the relationship between blame and punishment: What justifies the practice of punishing criminals? What is the ultimate purpose of punishment and blame?

NB: EP4 courses are required to have one formal oral presentation as well as 15 pages of ‘final draft’ essay writing which has been through a revision process. The course assignments are designed to respect these standards. Senior seminars help synthesize things you’ve been working on throughout your college career, with a particular eye toward cultivating an environment and ideas which will help you, post-college. So, bring your whole self to this course! This includes: is there something from your previous research or courses that you think is relevant to our discussions?