PH 300 - Special Topics in Philosophy: Moral Issues in Sports or Ancient Greece
Course Description
"Topics in political theory and philosophy vary by semester and may include: Aesthetics of Everyday Life; Art and Politics; Community, Communication, and Public Policy; Liberalism and Communitarianism; Logic; Censorship, Privacy, and the Public Good. May be repeated for credit if topics differ."
Summer 2024 Topics:
Section 008: Moral Issues in Sports
Sports have come to play a central role within our culture and society. Athletes have come to be deeply revered and have the salaries to prove it. For many people sports represent something very similar to a sort of religious devotion. But should sports play such a significant role in our lives? In this class we will consider the important role that sports play in shaping our culture and our values. In doing so we will also consider other important questions that come up in the world of sports: What is the point of sport? What happens when sports become more about money than competition? Beginning with and answering these broader questions will help in evaluating more specific moral issues in the world of sports such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs, the remuneration of college athletes, as well as racial and gender issues prevalent in sports today. By the end of the course, we should hope to become more cognizant of and sensitive to these issues and to the role that sports play in our society and in our lives.
Section 009: Ancient Greece
Modern political ideas - democracy, anarchy, oligarchy, tyranny, demagoguery – have their origins in classical Greece, and pervade everyday life. Yet these are all contested ideas, used often without any notion of their larger meaning or history. The term ‘politics’ itself comes from the Greek politikos (of citizens and the city) and critical reflection about power, political life, and constitutional forms is one of the greatest legacies of Greek philosophy. The aim of this course is to explore the origin and development of Greek political philosophy, because it is essential for our understanding of the contemporary world and ongoing debates about democracy, equality, and justice. The course consists of lectures, discussions, and presentations which focus on primary readings in English translation.
Prerequisites
Must be enrolled in Junior or Senior level at a College or University
This course is available for undergraduate credit. Students must possess a high school diploma and must be an adult age 18 or older to participate.