Splash Biography

What if you didn’t have free will? Seems like an idea straight out of a movie, but what if that was true in real life? It’s one of the most important questions that nobody ever asks, except in this class, where we will explore what it really means to have freedom and debate whether or not you actually freely chose to sign up for this class. Philosophers, psychologists, and scientists around the world have been arguing about free will for centuries. Sound interesting? Sign up and join the discussion! Notes on instructors: Class co-taught by BC sophomores John Knowles and Ameet Kallarackal. One believes we have free will, the other does not.

For ages, people have debated whether they, or factors beyond their control, determine their choices. So, have you ever wondered if you’re free? Are you doubtful that you’re free but open to listening to a case for why you are? Do you think it’s likely that you’re free but wonder how, in the apostle Peter’s words, you might “give a reason for your hope” (1 Peter 3:15)? If your answer to any of the above questions was “yes,” I invite you to come to “A Case for Human Freedom.” Tentatively, I’ll be exploring cases for freedom from the human sense of responsibility and from the existence of a universally-appreciable morality (which implies responsibility). Time permitting, I’ll also posit some possible psychological motivations for denying human freedom. Notes on instructor: I'm an English major and potential future classroom teacher. I am also interested in philosophy and theology.