Freedom is central for our moral lives. Through it we choose what kind of person we want to be; because of it, we are responsible for our actions. However, thinkers both historical and contemporary have raised important challenges to this notion. Some are concerned, for example, that the picture of the universe that emerges from modern science seems largely deterministic, with little to no space for freedom as traditionally understood. Others are concerned that influences from our environment and/or culture are so pervasive that our ability genuinely to choose is, all said and done, fairly trivial. Finally, supposing we are free, what is freedom for? In this reading group we will explore these and related questions.
Meets Tuesday, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/29 off on 6/22
For more information, email vsaenz@houstoninstitute.org
