Philosophy can be defined as the "love of wisdom." More specifically, philosophy is the rational and critical inquiry into the fundamental questions of human existence: Does life have a meaning or is it simply absurd? Does God exist or is belief in God merely a myth? In this course, we will take a historical approach to the central issues of philosophy by examining such questions as: What is the nature of reality (metaphysics)? What can we know (epistemology)? Do good and evil exist (ethics)? What is beauty (aesthetics)? Through the investigation of these timeless questions, we will participate in "the great conversation" that has shaped the world in which we live. This course continues the historical approach to the central problems of philosophy. Students will study the modern and more contemporary philosophers who have influenced our understanding of modernity. Beginning with Descartes, the Utilitarians will be studied. The course will also examine Nietzsche's critique of conventional morality and rationalistic philosophy.
Philosophy can be defined as the "love of wisdom." More specifically, philosophy is the rational and critical inquiry into the fundamental questions of human existence: Does life have a meaning or is it simply absurd? Does God exist or is belief in God merely a myth? In this course, we will take a historical approach to the central issues of philosophy by examining such questions as: What is the nature of reality (metaphysics)? What can we know (epistemology)? Do good and evil exist (ethics)? What is beauty (aesthetics)? Through the investigation of these timeless questions, we will participate in "the great conversation" that has shaped the world in which we live. This course continues the historical approach to the central problems of philosophy. Students will study the modern and more contemporary philosophers who have influenced our understanding of modernity. Beginning with Descartes, the Utilitarians will be studied. The course will also examine Nietzsche's critique of conventional morality and rationalistic philosophy.
