PO 348 - The Question of Freedom: Living and Learning Liberty

Liberty is usually thought of in one of two ways. On the one hand, liberty is thought of as the opposite of tyranny, in which case we mean something like freedom from human masters (what Augustine calls “political freedom”). On the other hand, we think of liberty as the opposite of determinism, in which case we mean something like a life directed by a rational free will (what Augustine calls “genuine freedom”). This course investigates topics of political liberty, religious liberty, economic freedom, and the character of free persons, as well as the social institutions of a free society and the fine line between liberty and dominion. Texts include works by Augustine, Madison, Locke, Berlin, Tocqueville, Mill, and others. In the latter part of this course students will apply the lessons of liberty to develop policy proposals concerning issues in the current political landscape (taxes, education, transportation, foreign policy). Students enrolled in the course may choose to bypass the housing lottery and be housed (with their roommates) in the LLC, and we will hold our classes there. We will also integrate campus events - political debates, performances, gallery openings, a game night - into our studies over the semester. (Formerly PO 201)

Four credits.