This course deals with the debate in contemporary analytic philosophy over free will (along with the related notion of moral responsibility) and causal determinism.  It satisfies the general education requirement in the humanities.  There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but students should note that philosophers' work on the topic is intellectually challenging.  Our readings will be relatively brief, but the arguments are complex, and students should be willing to work to overcome initial confusion.

No laptops, smartphones, or other electronic equipment may be used in class, except by special arrangement with the disabilities office.  In general, students are expected to avoid distracting behaviors such as unscheduled comings and goings (e.g., lateness, bathroom trips), private conversations (even on the topic), extended eating (a drink is OK), or newspaper reading.  Students are also expected to attend class regularly and to make up for any material they miss by consulting other students. 

This syllabus is available, along with the schedule, plus supporting information about office hours and policies of the instructor, on the instructor's website (click on "courses" at the address above).  Slides or handouts presented or distributed in class may be posted under "course materials," along with further readings (accessible with "Greenspan" as your username and password).