In this course, we will engage and critically assess the views of the two leading figures in 19th century existentialism, Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, focusing in particular on their analyses of personal identity, i.e., what it means to be a self. Prerequisites: Any two of PHIL 1013, 1023, 1033, 1043, 1053, 1063, or permission of the instructor.
- Teacher: James Gilbert-Walsh
A study of existential thinking, its fundamental structure, and its importance for a contemporary understanding of the human situation. Prerequisites: Any two of PHIL 1013, 1023, 1033, 1043, 1053, 1063, or permission of the instructor.
- Teacher: James Gilbert-Walsh
This is the first half of a two-semester historical introduction to western philosophy. Through lectures, the reading of original historical texts, and discussion, you will struggle with the major philosophical questions as they have been handed down to us by key figures from the ancient Greek, medieval and modern eras. You will also be introduced to the way contemporary philosophers take up and respond to these questions today. Our focus, in the first term, will be ancient and medieval philosophy. The focus, in the second term, will be modern and contemporary philosophy.
- Teacher: James Gilbert-Walsh
Should we have sex with robots? Is it okay to use a robot prostitute? Can we make them serve us, or use them in warfare? And what about animals—do they have rights? Should we eat them, experiment on them or stick them in zoos? These are some of the fascinating and strangely important questions to be addressed in this course. We will learn how to do philosophy by thinking about the social, psychological and ethical implications of our relationships with these two very different kinds of creatures.
- Teacher: Scott Stapleford