Essential Questions:
Philosophical Excursions into Real Life
A Continuing Education Course at NYU - SCPS
Fall Term, 2008/Course Number X08.9106
Meetings: Tuesday 10/07/08-12/16/08, 6:20-8:40 p.m.
Building: Norman Thomas Center, Room 640
In this conversation-rich course, we ponder the philosophical aspects of real life issues. We use case studies to ground our discussions and philosophical texts to hone our thinking. Our goal throughout the course is to explore the philosophical aspects of familiar real life problems and questions, deepening our understanding of the nature of these issues and bringing new ways to think about solutions to light.
The topics we discuss may include the idea of a meaningful life, the nature of happiness, the nature of love, the point of marriage, and how to think about ethical conflicts. Case studies may be derived from the developing body of literature on experimental philosophy and philosophical practice; canonical philosophical texts may include selections from Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, David Hume, John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, and Elizabeth Anscombe. We may also have occasion to discuss insights of contemporary philosophers such as Cora Diamond, Philippa Foot, and Candace Vogler.