BLHV-181 Slavery and Abolition from the Bronze Age to the American Civil War

Ross D

Has religion been a force for good or evil in the world? After so many centuries of religious wars, persecutions, inquisitions (of which the events of 9/11 are only one of the most recent manifestations), one might well question whether religion has a place in civilized society. But is it really possible (or desirable) to outgrow our need for religion and to mature into a species that relies on reason alone? This course will try to address the religious issue through a case study--the history of slavery and abolition. Slavery has existed since before the beginning of recorded history, and has been (officially, at least) dismantled only relatively recently. This course will examine the long, tortuous route to the abolition of slavery. The central question will be whether the abolition of slavery has been due to purely secular, philosophical motivations or to religious ones. We will begin with slavery in the ancient Near East and trace its presence in the Bible and then in Greek philosophy. We will then examine some of the differences between Eastern and Western Christianity on the issue. We will conclude with the emergence of modern antislavery among the Quakers and the issues surrounding the slavery question before and during the American Civil War. (Not available for students who have completed PHIL 106.)

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: None

Other academic years
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• 2009-2010 Fall and Spring
• 2011-2012 Fall and Spring
• 2012-2013 Fall and Spring
• 2013-2014 Fall and Spring

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