Do We Truly Choose? Free Will in Philosophy and Theology
CHUM 335
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
COL 333, PHIL 393 |
Free will has been a central pillar of philosophical inquiry throughout history. While contemporary debates often focus on issues of consciousness, mechanics, neurobiology, and physics, premodern discussions frequently revolved around the role of God in defining the boundaries of human freedom. This seminar will delve into diverse perspectives on free will, drawing from philosophical traditions across time and place -- both past and present, East and West -- with particular emphasis on the Islamic context. Through a close reading of key sources, the course examines how different thinkers have conceptualized human agency and the extent to which it determines action. Ultimately, the seminar will grapple with the vexed question: do human agents actually enable their acts, or, in the final analysis, truly "do nothing"? |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA CHUM |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (College of Letters)(Philosophy) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Primary source readings on free will and divine predestination
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Examinations and Assignments:
Critical analysis papers |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
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| Instructor(s): Jarada,Hadel Times: ..T.... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: TBA |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 15 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 4 | SO: 4 | FR: 3 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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