Coastal Carolina University professor Michael Ruse will lead a discussion titled, "Is it Unethical to Give to Charity?" on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 4:30 p.m. in the Edwards Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The dialogue, which is part of the Tea & Ethics series sponsored by Coastal's Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values, will repeat Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach First Presbyterian Church.

The discussion will examine philosopher John Locke's justification for governmental authority and the interplay between government and society's standard of living. The following questions will be discussed in the presentation: What is the justification of governmental authority? What is the function of government in terms of ensuring a healthy standard of living for the population? As usual, tea and cookies will be served and discussion and questions will be encouraged.

Ruse is an associate professor of philosophy at Coastal. He earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Northwestern University in 1984 and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Stony Brook University in New York. He was an assistant professor of philosophy at the American University in Cairo from 1993 to1998. He joined the Coastal faculty in 1998, and his areas of expertise are contemporary continental philosophy, social and political philosophy, modern philosophy, and the philosophy of technology.

For more information call the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values at 349-2440.