How Did We Get Here?: Freedom

In this installment of “How Did We Get Here?” with philosopher Ed Glowienka we considered something we all want, but can’t agree on how to get: freedom. We explored the shift between classical and Enlightenment notions of political freedom. We saw how reactions to this shift inform modern conservative and liberal values. 
 
Along the way, we reflected on assumptions about human nature and human rights. And we assessed how modern political societies may enhance and limit freedom. 
 
All told, through this jaunty stroll through history, we gained a deeper appreciation of why we value freedom and of the philosophical positions underlying contemporary debates about speech, privacy, religious expression, and other freedoms.
 

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About Ed

Ed Glowienka is a Professor of Philosophy at Carroll College.  Ed grew up in Philadelphia, the son of parents who never attended college and who sacrificed significantly for his education. He went to the University of Scranton to study biochemistry, but left with a degree in philosophy with minors in German and theology. He then spent two years working with Spiritan missionaries, teaching philosophy to students from six African nations at the Spiritan Missionary Seminary in Arusha, Tanzania. Ed earned his Ph.D. from Emory University in 2013. His research is in early modern philosophy, with projects in both metaphysics and moral philosophy.

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In addition to teaching and research, Ed chairs the committee at Carroll College responsible for implementing the new core curriculum at Carroll. He is the author of Leibniz’s Metaphysics of Harmony and has twice co-directed a seminar for teachers funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities called “Re-Enchanting Nature,” which  explores how the humanities can deepen our understanding of nature in a way that complements the sciences.

Thank You’s

Thank you to Ed Glowienka and the Helena community for helping to make this event such a success!  Thank you also to the American Philosophical Association and the Helena Area Community Foundation for grant funds helping to support our “How Did We Get Here? Planet” series and our community sponsor Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel.

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