Freedom and Morality

Each of us must decide how to live and act in this world. Some think that the best and easiest way of reaching a decision is by “fitting in,” following the laws and customs already in place; others move against traditions. Some celebrate and seek to maximize individual freedom; others worry about order and seek to enhance the authority of governing institutions. In this community you will study different ethical and philosophical theories about how to live the best possible life, and you will test their feasibility by trying to put them to work. Should we worry about the consequences of our actions in order to assess their moral value? Or is moral value rather a matter of the principle and intention that guide the action? Is morality properly attributed to actions or to persons? Can groups, and governments, be moral? What is the connection between morality and happiness, and what is happiness anyway? Over the course of the semester, you will read both ancient and modern philosophical texts that offer proposals and alternatives. In addition, you will watch and discuss films that put these philosophical and ethical dilemmas into dramatic context.

 “The best thing about my learning community was the social interaction—organized events facilitated new friendships. Being in a learning community helped me transition from small-town life to big-city life.”

- Catherine Walker, from Poughkeepsie, NY