Do you know right from wrong? Either way, do you enjoy arguing about it? Philosophers have been formulating ethical theories for millennia about the best way to live a good life, and what to do in tough situations. We'll look at the three biggest ethical schools in Western philosophy, (virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism) and examine what they say about politics and personal morality.

Ever wondered why money and power always seem to go to together? Not sure what to make of the ruckus over Citizens' United? Has your town been "occupied?" Come discuss political theory, economics, and the politics of the present, as well as some history of class in America. Class taught by a die-hard progressive, but all viewpoints welcome.

Ever look at current events and wonder "just what are these people thinking?!" Ever wondered if people have actually thought about politics in a serious way? The course will be structured around highly recommended readings, in-class debate and discussion, and student interest. It will begin with brief overview of the main schools of thought most Western philosophers use to make moral evaluations, and then focus in on the high-stakes questions of "distributive justice"—the question of how politics, ethics, and the broader society decide who gets what.