“…all tourists are dear to Hermes, the god of travel, who is patron also of amiable curiosity and freedom of mind.” George Santayana, The Philosophy of Travel. There is an intimate relationship between philosophy and travel: both challenge our everyday assumptions and both raise important ethical questions.

This course will explore those connections. Some of the questions we will discuss include: Is there a moral value to travel? What are the moral virtues or even obligations of the “good traveler”? Should we “do as the Romans do” even if they act immorally (e.g., disrespect women)? Do we have a moral obligation to represent our country when we travel abroad? Can we truly understand another culture and should we try? When does travel become voyeurism? Does our quest for “authentic” travel destroy the very authenticity of the places we visit? If we are concerned about impoverished areas, should we use our money to help them rather than visit them?

Instructor Elias Baumgarten just retired from teaching philosophy for 46 years at UM-Dearborn and has traveled to over 70 countries. This study group for those 50 and over will meet on Mondays, 1-3, from October 1 through October 29.