Philosophy 235 - MORALITY, POLITICS & THE LAW

Individual liberty is a core value in liberal democratic societies. What is liberty? Why is it thought to be important, and how might it be justified? When can it be legitimately constrained? This course will examine these and related concerns regarding liberty, including: alternative approaches to interpreting and valuing liberty; connections and conflicts between liberty and other values (such as justice, equality, well-being, and community); and selected contemporary public policy controversies involving issues of individual liberty (such as drug use, prostitution, pornography, hate speech, and assisted suicide/voluntary euthanasia, among others). Readings will include material by moral, political, and legal thinkers representing diverse perspectives.