Course description:

In this course we'll look at what it might mean to have free will and whether we are free in any significant sense. Tied to this will be questions about the nature and existence of selves or persons. What are selves? Where does one's sense of self come from? Does science reasonably suggest that our actions are all determined and that our sense of self is illusory? What are the implications for moral responsibility and for planning the future? We'll explore the issues through science, philosophy, literature and film.

The class will be run as a seminar. Thursdays we will discuss the reading assignments for the week. The following Tuesdays we will discuss student essays on the readings and class discussion.

Texts:

Additional articles can be found on the web site.

Course objectives:

Successful students will (1) become reasonably familiar (at least at the level of literacy required to understand journals such as Scientific American) with the current thinking in the sciences and philosophy on the relevant course topics; and (2) be able to discuss intelligently and comfortably important positions regarding the nature of the self, of persons, and freedom of the will.

Course requirements:

Attendance. Chronic absenteeism will not be tolerated. A necessary condition for getting an A in the course is that you attend 90% of the classes. A necessary condition for getting an B in the course is that you attend 80% of the classes. A C requires you attend at least 70% of the classes, and to pass the course you must attend at least 60% of the time. Attendance is not, of course, a sufficient condition for earning a particular grade. Since attendance will be recorded at the beginning of class either through a roll call or from quiz participation, I recommend that you arrive at class on time; I am not responsible for recording your presence after roll is called. There will be no excused absences.

Participation and Preparation. You are required to attend class, participate responsibly, and prepare adequately for class. My evidence for adequate participation in class is your behavior. Those who regularly ask questions and take part in class discussions are clearly actively involved in the class; and those who regularly attend class, listen attentively to lectures and discussions, and complete assignments on time are also involved in the class (though to a lesser degree). Failure to attend class or to complete assignments, sleeping in class, talking to neighbors and other disruptive behavior will count against you.

Five Short Essays. You must submit at least five weekly essays. These essays should provide commentary for, raise questions about, or extend our class discussion of the reading from the previous Thursday. We will discuss the assigned readings on Thursday, the essays on those discussions are due on the following Monday at 9:00 AM and will provide the basis for class discussion on Tuesday. Essays should be 2-3 pages in length and submitted electronically. All essays will be posted on the class web site; everyone is expected to make comments or raise questions frequently. Grades will be based on how well your written work demonstrates your understanding of the material, the degree to which you are engaged in the course material, and your ability to communicate effectively your ideas and questions.  A rubric for evaluating these essays will be available in advance.   [Rubric for Weekly Essays]

Final Project and Presentation. At the end of the semester you will be given 20 minutes (includes class discussion) to present to the class a final project. This final project may be a scholarly (e.g., 6-8 page) essay or creative work, and should be relevant to the course material. Creative works must include a brief artist's statement that explains the relevance of the work to the class topics. As with the essays grades will be based on how well your work demonstrates your understanding of the relevant material, the degree to which you are engaged in the course material, and your ability to communicate effectively your ideas and questions. [Rubric for Final Project]

Instructor's prerogative:

I reserve the right to alter the conditions stated in this syllabus at any time during the semester should such alterations better facilitate meeting the goals. I will, in such a case, provide notice in class. I may on occasion add or delete reading assignments. It is the student's responsibility to be in class and get this information.