This course gives a basic grounding in Philosophy. We explore enduring questions that we have all grappled with: Does God exist? Do we have free will? How can we lead fulfilling lives? No background in philosophy is needed, only an open and inquiring mind.

One of the most salient features of our culture is that there is so much BS. Most people are overconfident about their ability to avoid being taken in by it. This course aims to sharpen your BS detection skills and help you to diagnose errors in reasoning. You will learn how to check your (often unreliable) gut reactions, improve your critical thinking skills, and identify specious arguments across a range of topics.

Introduction to debates regarding how ethical values relate to law and justice. Is justice universal or relative? Are laws making progress toward justice? How should we balance liberty and equality? Should freedom of speech be an absolute right? Does the state have too much power, or too little? Are laws applied fairly by police and the justice system? Why do we punish? What is the relationship between wealth, race, and justice? Discussion.

Critical study of principles and arguments advanced in discussion of current moral and social issues. Possible topics: violence, rules of warfare, sexual morality, human rights, punishment, abortion.