Explore approaches to building a society that is peaceful, prosperous, and free through the classical liberal perspective. What role should government play? What is best handled by individuals and communities? What are the trade-offs between freedom and other values?

Discover intriguing approaches to such questions through reading discussions on works such as George Orwell's "Politics and the English Language", presentations with question and answer periods, interactive demonstrations of economic concepts, and faculty-lead viewings of films like "Amistad" or "Serenity".

Sample Lecture: Equality and Respect

Aeon Skoble, philosophy professor at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts, investigates the implications of the equal worth of human beings - regardless of race, gender or social position.   

What should treating people equally imply for social justice? Property rights?  Treatment by the law? Professor Skoble shows that agreeing on what equal treatment means in practice is not as simple as it sounds.  Are there tradeoffs between equal liberty and equal outcomes?

Optional Activity during free time:

Pathbreaking speculative fiction author H.P. Lovecraft once wrote "I am Providence," a quote that now appears on his headstone in the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence. Few authors are more closely identified with their home cities. During the seminar, students will learn more about H.P. Lovecraft and why he remains an influential and relevant figure today. On one afternoon, students also will have the option to take a Lovecraftian walking tour designed especially for this seminar by Lovecraft scholar Dr. Amy H. Sturgis. The tour will focus on particular sites in Providence that inspired works of fiction by Lovecraft and served as the settings for some of his most important stories. Beforehand, attendees will receive materials that note each site on the tour and include references for his related stories.