Coastal Carolina University professors Dennis Earl and Julinna Oxley will lead a discussion entitled, "I Do or I Don't: Feminism, Marriage and the Modern Family," on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m. in 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, Oct. 30 at 6:15 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach First Presbyterian Church.

The talk will examine the nature of marital obligations, the purpose of state-sanctioned relationships, and the nature of marriage as a social political and religious institution. The following questions will be discussed in the Tea & Ethics presentations: Is it morally acceptable to get married? Is the institution of marriage fair? Is it paternalistic? Is it discriminatory? Should marriage be state-sanctioned? What obligations and responsibilities should be included in marital contracts and should marital contracts be renewable or for life? Arguments both for and against marriage will be evaluated as well as proposals that may arise in light of concerns raised.

Earl, an assistant professor of philosophy at Coastal, earned a doctorate at the University of Colorado. His major areas of study include: metaphysics, epistemology, applied ethics and the history of modern philosophy. Oxley, assistant professor of philosophy at Coastal, earned a doctorate at Tulane University. Her major areas of study include: ethical theory, social and political philosophy and feminist philosophy.

For more information call the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values at 349-2847.