Professor Matthew Leisinger

mleising@yorku.ca

Most of us simply take it for granted that, at least under ordinary circumstances, we have a certain control over our actions and, as a result, that we can appropriately be held responsible for what we do—in other words, we usually take it for granted that we possess free will. This natural self-conception, however, is remarkably fragile: What exactly does this sense of control amount to? And how can we possibly possess any such control if all of our actions are causally determined by forces that obviously are not within our control? This is the perennial philosophical problem of free will and determinism. In this course, we will examine the challenge that determinism appears to pose to free will as well as a variety of responses to that challenge.

Technical requirements for taking the course:

All readings will be made available via eClass as PDF files, so students will be required to have internet access and the ability to download and read PDF files. Additionally, both exams will be conducted online via eClass, so students will need to have a stable Internet connection in order to complete the exams. The instructor will also be available to meet virtually via Zoom. Students wishing to meet with the instructor virtually via Zoom will require the Zoom video-conferencing software, a working microphone (webcam optional), and a stable, higher-speed Internet connection

Times and locations:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 13:00-14:30 (in person)

Office hours:

The instructor will be available to meet for office hours in-person at a time TBD. The instructor will also be available to meet virtually via Zoom by appointment.

All required readings will be available online via eClass.

Two short-answer exams: 15% + 25% = 40%

Two short papers: 25% + 35% = 60%

This is an in-person course: lectures will be held in-person twice a week. Exception: Both exams will be conducted online via eClass as timed quizzes.

Important note: While this is officially an in-person course, the course is designed in such a way as to make it possible for students to complete the course remotely. All lectures will be recorded as audio files and posted to eClass. It is recommended that students attend all lectures in-person: it will be much easier to follow the lectures in-person, and in-person attendance will allow students to interact philosophically with the instructor and other students. Nonetheless, students who are unable to attend the lectures in-person will be able to complete the course remotely.

This course aims to introduce students to philosophical debates concerns freedom, determinism, and responsibility and also to develop their philosophical abilities of reading, writing, and argumentation.

Course policies

Grading:  The grading scheme for the course conforms to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g., A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.).  Each assignment will bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade (e.g.  A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.)

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.  Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment.  All assignments are to be handed in via eClass or via email to the instructor.

Lateness Penalty: Late submissions will be accepted for written assignments but will be penalized 5 points (i.e. one-half letter grade) per day: for example, an assignment submitted one day late might go from a 75 (B+) to a 70 (B).  Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Instructor but will in some cases require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).

Missed Assignments:  Students with a documented reason for missing a course assignment, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the instructor.