UK varsity offering Star Wars philosophy course

In a good news for Star Wars fans, a university in the UK is offering a new course to explore the deeper meanings of the epic sci-fi film series that has enthralled the audiences for decades.
The day-long open access course by the University of Glasgow in the UK - Star Wars and Philosophy: Destiny, Justice and the Metaphysics of the Force - will be held on May 4.
It will examine how far people can be responsible for their own actions when their destiny is governed by "the Force".
"The Star Wars universe is one in which a mysterious force, the Force, governs all and directs the destiny of individuals and civilisations alike," the university said in a statement.

"But what does the notion that a person has a destiny - a fixed future - tell us about how free that person's actions really are, and how morally responsible for those actions they can legitimately be held to be?" it said.
Philosophy teacher John Donaldson will introduce concepts of free will and moral responsibility against the backdrop of the epic space drama.

It is part of a range of courses that are open to the general public but do not carry degree credits, 'BBC News' reported.
"This day event will examine this and associated questions concerning the relationship between there being a fixed future, free will, and moral praise or blame, all against the backdrop of George Lucas' epic tale of the triumph of good over evil in a galaxy far, far away," the university said.

"It's a way of making philosophy more accessible. It's an unfortunate fact that philosophy tends to be hidden away in universities," said Donaldson.
The university had previously ran courses exploring the philosophical questions raised by The Sopranos, The Wire and The Simpsons.
The first Star Wars film, starring Mark Hammill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, was released in 1977.