Big Questions, Big Ideas

he Ball State Philosophy and Religious Studies Department in partnership with Muncie Public Library presents the Big Questions, Big Ideas series. Learn to think critically about complex issues and questions, and cultivate an awareness of the diversity of ideas in our world.

January's topic will be "When, if ever, is it okay to break the law? Is breaking the law ever morally required?" by Dr. David Concepción, Professor of Philosophy

The Sons of Liberty thought they were justified in unlawfully destroying other people’s property at Boston Harbor in December of 1773. Were they justified? Carrie Nation must have believed that “hatchetation” – smashing bar fixtures and full alcohol containers with a hatchet – was a morally permissible means of agitation for temperance and prohibition. More recently, members of the Extinction Rebellion have caused major traffic jams in their attempt to get governments to take action to reduce the rate of climate heating. Morally impermissible? And on January 6, 2021 people trespassed the U.S. Capital apparently endeavoring to stop the counting of Electoral College votes. Morally required? Join us for a facilitated discussion of the moral status of these and other acts.