Topics in Philosophy
In Greek, philosophy means “love of wisdom,” which is a fine concept, if abstract, and something that ought to go hand in hand with lifelong learning. Philosophy in practice is more than simply loving wisdom, though; it comprises a set of critical thinking skills or habits of mind that makes a lived life more meaningful.
An observed and questioned life is a meaningful life, but the benefits of learning to think philosophically extend far beyond the inner life of the individual. Indeed, the skills honed through philosophy are fundamental to social, political, and civic stability and prosperity, building the skills you need to be a good human and a responsible citizen of the world. These are also the aims of this course: using critical thinking to recognize and confront and question 1) what you believe and why, 2) the moral and ethical questions you face every day, and 3) the responsibilities you have to yourself and those around you.
In this semester-long elective, we will explore what philosophy is, what it can be, and why it matters. Equipped with that knowledge and our shared love of wisdom, we will practice these habits of mind as we dive into one big topic and the questions that arise from it. Our guiding question will change each semester, but options may include:
Ultimately the questions are complex and answers are uncertain, two characteristics that, if you choose to take this course, should excite rather than annoy you. Above all, everything we do together will be driven by a shared commitment to curiosity and dedication to extended exploration of complicated ideas. Thinking philosophically is us at our most human. Let’s do it together!
For more information about grading agreements and contract grading (and a rich bibliography with links to additional resources), please check this page out!
An observed and questioned life is a meaningful life, but the benefits of learning to think philosophically extend far beyond the inner life of the individual. Indeed, the skills honed through philosophy are fundamental to social, political, and civic stability and prosperity, building the skills you need to be a good human and a responsible citizen of the world. These are also the aims of this course: using critical thinking to recognize and confront and question 1) what you believe and why, 2) the moral and ethical questions you face every day, and 3) the responsibilities you have to yourself and those around you.
In this semester-long elective, we will explore what philosophy is, what it can be, and why it matters. Equipped with that knowledge and our shared love of wisdom, we will practice these habits of mind as we dive into one big topic and the questions that arise from it. Our guiding question will change each semester, but options may include:
- What is reality, and how do we know?
- What is the nature of existence?
- What is the nature of knowledge and truth?
- What makes a good life?
- Where and when in the universe are we?
- How do we determine the right thing to do? Does might make right? Or do we have obligations to one one another?
- Does free will exist?
- What is power? Who gets it? Why?
Ultimately the questions are complex and answers are uncertain, two characteristics that, if you choose to take this course, should excite rather than annoy you. Above all, everything we do together will be driven by a shared commitment to curiosity and dedication to extended exploration of complicated ideas. Thinking philosophically is us at our most human. Let’s do it together!
For more information about grading agreements and contract grading (and a rich bibliography with links to additional resources), please check this page out!
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