Philosophy as a Way of Life
PHIL 221
Fall 2016
| Section:
01
|
For many philosophers, East and West, philosophy has been more than an effort to answer fundamental questions. It has been an activity aimed at changing one's orientation to the world and, thus, how one lives one's life. We will explore Chinese, Greco-Roman, and contemporary versions of the idea that philosophy should be seen as a way of life. How does philosophical reasoning interact with lived practice? How do metaphysical views lead to ethical commitments? Despite their differences, Confucians, Christians, Aristotelians, and Stoics all agreed that philosophy should aim at making us better people. Can such an idea still get traction in today's world? |
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS PHIL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-Phil/Reli)(PHIL)(PHIL-Social Jus)(STS) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYS |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Pierre Hadot's PHILOSOPHY AS A WAY OF LIFE and primary texts from classical Western and Eastern philosophers.
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Two longer papers (mid-term and final) plus several shorter writing assignments. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course will be run as a seminar, in which students will take turns, in teams, preparing to lead class discussions. This and regular participation in class will be important expectations for this course. |
| Instructor(s): Horst,Steven W. Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: FISK412; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: 0 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 15 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 1 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|