When young children cry, “That’s not fair!” they are demanding (logical) consistency, even though they can’t say what it is. When adults cry, “No one is above the law!” or “Equal pay for equal work!” or “Black Lives Matter,” they, too, are demanding consistency: It’s the power of logic v. the powers that be. In this class, we will explore what consistency is, why it is so important, and when we should demand it.
What makes consistency so important is that — although it’s a simple concept — without it we couldn’t have the concepts of rule of law, due process, fairness, or rationality. Democracy depends on it. Truth depends on it. Without it, we couldn’t have the concepts of corruption, prejudice, hypocrisy, conflict of interest, or lying. In short, consistency is necessary for rationality, for democratic ideals, and for much of moral thinking.
In a worst-case scenario, unless we demand consistency (and it’s not always easy to know when to demand it), we could be in danger of losing the “rule of law,” or democracy, or even truth. Without consistency, “might” will make right. When we should demand consistency, and when, à la Ralph Waldo Emerson, it is foolish to do so, will be a major topic of this course.
A course handout will be provided. Class Limit: 20
Instructor Sara Shute received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Washington University in 1977 and taught philosophy at Marietta College for most of her professional career. She has also taught philosophy at Michigan State, at three U Maine campuses, and at Colby College. Since retiring, she has taught many senior college courses. Her current interests are in the concepts of logical consistency and rationality.
Graphic provided by Sara Shute
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