A perennial topic for philosophical speculation is the question of personal autonomy, or ‘what we can choose’ versus ‘what is pre-ordained for us’ and it is now coming into the realm of experimental science. We may soon be in the uncomfortable position of being provided with answers! In this course we will discuss various aspects of what its detractors call ‘biological determinism’, we will discuss relevant ideas and findings from contemporary genetics, neurobiology and evolutionary theory, and examine these from scientific, philosophical and political perspectives.

Independent Study Discussion Courses are for study by groups without a tutor, so there is no need to write reports. These courses were written by tutors who have now since retired from the Discussion Group Program. Some courses were written a number of years ago, and therefore contain references to events which are now more historical than current, however, all are entertaining, well-produced and worthwhile.    

This is a Discussion Group course, if you aren’t already part of a group please see ‘Getting Started’ below.  

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Adam Marchant

Course Code: D163

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $48 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.