Perspectives on Liberty & Equality
Norman Furniss
Political Science
All of us face difficult challenges to our usual ways of living and our usual ways of thinking. The hysteria surrounding the upcoming Presidential Election and wars in Gaza and The Ukraine have heightened immediacy of our challenges. The primary aim of this seminar is to use the ideas of liberty and equality to gain a perspective on these challenges as they play out concretely in our lives as individuals, as members of society, as citizens of the United States, and as citizens of the world. We will explore questions such as these: Is it within our liberties as we define them to “flip off” the President and still keep our job? Who should decide basic life questions concerning marriage and abortion? Especially for young people today (that is, for you), is the value of “safety” more important than “free speech”? How might we make these terms concrete? These and related issues have been playing out in American universities, including Indiana University. We will look at some specifics.There will be a variety of course materials—classic texts, court cases, news articles. Poems. Together they should be broad enough to allow us to engage with complex arguments. They also will be short enough to allow us time to frame and defend our own positions. Core written assignments will center on a series of short essays based on class readings, class discussions, and your own life experiences. There will be an examination toward the end of the semester.
I would be pleased to discuss specifics. My office is in Woodburn Hall, room 415. Email furniss@indiana.edu.
Catalog Information: HHC-H 212 PAST AUTHORS, QUESTIONS II