Building on earlier discussions, Professor Kagan probes into the question "What is it to die?" This module examines the essential bodily and mental functions that delineate the moment of death, encouraging students to contemplate the complexities involved in defining death. The philosophical implications of various perspectives surrounding death are critically analyzed, enhancing students' understanding of mortality.
The course begins with an introduction by Professor Kagan, who outlines the focus of the semester. The key emphasis will be on philosophical questions concerning death, steering clear of less relevant subjects. The first part of the course will concentrate on metaphysical inquiries, while the latter part will transition to discussions on value theory, assessing how these philosophical concepts relate to our understanding of death.
This module discusses the question of what constitutes a person through the lens of two primary philosophical positions: dualism and physicalism. Dualism posits that a person is made up of both body and soul, while physicalism asserts that individuals are purely physical beings. Professor Kagan explores the implications of both views, examining how these frameworks influence our understanding of personal identity and mortality.
This lecture presents arguments that support the existence of the soul. Professor Kagan introduces the concept of "inferences to the best explanation," where the existence of unseen entities is posited to clarify observable phenomena. By examining various arguments from different perspectives, students will critically engage with the philosophical implications of believing in the soul and how this belief interacts with notions of mortality.
In this module, Professor Kagan continues the exploration of the existence of the soul, focusing on Plato's Phaedo. The discussion centers on the need to believe in a soul to account for human free will. This aspect of dualism is critically assessed as an objection to physicalism, leading to a deeper understanding of the philosophical conflict between these two views and their implications for personal identity and morality.
Continuing the discussion on the existence of the soul, this module analyzes the free will argument in detail. Professor Kagan presents a three-premise argument concluding that humans cannot be purely physical systems. He highlights potential weaknesses in the argument and explores compelling phenomena, such as near-death experiences and the Cartesian argument, further enriching students' understanding of these philosophical issues.
This module continues the examination of the Cartesian argument while also introducing Plato's metaphysical ideas from his work, Phaedo. The distinction between the empirical world and the realm of Platonic forms is discussed, emphasizing that the soul is responsible for conceiving these abstract properties. The implications of these views on the concepts of immortality and the nature of existence are also explored.
This module continues the exploration of Plato's arguments for the immortality of the soul. Major points include the argument from the nature of the forms, which asserts that as non-physical entities, the forms must be grasped by the soul. Other arguments, such as the recycling and recollection arguments, are also discussed, enriching the discourse on the soul's place in philosophical thought.
This lecture further develops the discussion on the immortality of the soul by focusing on the argument from simplicity. According to Plato, since the soul is simple and lacks parts, it cannot be destroyed. Professor Kagan elaborates on this argument and its ramifications for understanding the soul's nature, leading to a deeper appreciation of Plato's philosophy.
Continuing from the previous lecture, Professor Kagan elaborates on Plato's claims regarding the soul being simple, changeless, and indestructible. The final argument discussed is from essential properties, which addresses what fundamentally defines the soul. This discussion culminates in considering whether it is necessary to argue for physicalism in contrast to these robust arguments for the soul's immortality.
This module introduces the complex question of personal identity across time and space, framing it within the context of the soul theory. Professor Kagan explores what it means for a person to remain the same over time, positing that the continuity of the same soul is the key. Additionally, the lecture discusses challenges to the soul theory, promoting critical thought about identity and existence.
This module examines alternative views on personal identity: the body theory and the personality theory. The body theory claims that physical continuity is essential for identity, while the personality theory argues that unique sets of beliefs and memories define a person. Professor Kagan compares and contrasts these views, addressing their implications for understanding identity in light of mortality.
In this module, Professor Kagan critiques the personality theory as a key to personal identity, focusing on the problem of duplication. The lecture examines hypothetical scenarios where the same personality exists in multiple bodies, raising questions about the core of identity. This discourse challenges students to think critically about the nature of individuality and the complexities surrounding personal identity.
This module revises the personality theory, proposing that identity hinges on maintaining a consistent personality without duplication. Professor Kagan invites students to shift their focus from survival of the soul to questioning what genuinely matters in survival. This thought-provoking approach encourages exploration of deeper philosophical inquiries concerning the essence of identity and existence beyond death.
Building on earlier discussions, Professor Kagan probes into the question "What is it to die?" This module examines the essential bodily and mental functions that delineate the moment of death, encouraging students to contemplate the complexities involved in defining death. The philosophical implications of various perspectives surrounding death are critically analyzed, enhancing students' understanding of mortality.
In this module, Professor Kagan discusses the state of being dead, challenging the notion that cessation of bodily functions is the sole criteria for death. Special attention is given to exceptional cases, including sleep and coma. The lecture also addresses human denial of mortality, using Tolstoy's character Ivan Ilych as a case study to illustrate these themes.
Professor Kagan reflects on Tolstoy's character, Ivan Ilych, as a common representation of human attitudes toward mortality. The module presents the idea that individuals often confront death alone and examines arguments against this claim. Additionally, the discussion explores the potential harms of death, particularly concerning the impact on those left behind, prompting students to consider the broader implications of mortality.
This lecture continues to explore why death may be perceived as negative. The deprivation account is introduced, arguing that death's badness stems from the loss of life's pleasures. By distinguishing between the intrinsic and comparative aspects of being dead, students are encouraged to reflect on the nature of a life well-lived and the implications of death on that experience.
This module continues the discussion on the implications of death by questioning the value of existence before birth. Several contemporary philosophers are introduced, and their perspectives on immortality are examined. Professor Kagan invites students to contemplate whether living forever would be desirable, culminating in a review of Bernard Williamsâ thoughts on the limitations of an eternal existence.
This module continues examining the desirability of immortality and transitions to discussions about well-being. Professor Kagan questions how quality of life can be maintained over time, presenting alternative theories of what makes life worth living. Hedonism is introduced, along with the experience machine thought experiment, prompting critical discussions about the nature of pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment.
This module deepens the exploration of lifeâs value by contrasting the neutral container theory with the valuable container theory. The former posits that lifeâs value derives from its contents, while the latter suggests that life itself holds inherent value. Professor Kagan leads an analysis of how different aspects of death contribute to its perceived badness, including its unpredictability and inevitability, opening a broader discussion on the human condition.
Continuing the exploration of death's badness, this module discusses the universality of death and its potential to occur unexpectedly. Professor Kagan prompts students to think about the human condition, considering hypothetical scenarios where death could be absent. The lecture concludes by challenging the notion of whether it's appropriate to avoid confronting our mortality, encouraging reflective thought about human behavior and existential awareness.
In this module, Professor Kagan discusses how thoughts of death can shape our lives. He examines fear as a natural emotional response to mortality, distinguishing between fear of dying and fear of what follows death. Additional negative emotions, such as anger and sadness, are explored as potential appropriate responses, inviting students to reflect on their own feelings surrounding death.
This lecture invites students to contemplate how they should live with the certainty of death. Professor Kagan encourages discussions about setting goals and the impact of mortality on the quality of our lives. Questions raised include considerations of what is truly worth doing and how the awareness of our finite existence shapes our decisions and experiences.
This module introduces the topic of suicide, beginning with a discussion on the rationality of ending oneâs own life. Professor Kagan presents scenarios in which suicide may be considered rational. Through examining these contexts, the module prompts students to think critically about the decision-making process surrounding suicide and the philosophical implications of such actions.
Continuing the discussion on suicide, this module delves into how one should decide about ending life amidst uncertainty. Various cases are analyzed to explore rationality and uncertainty in decision-making. Professor Kagan also presents moral arguments concerning suicide grounded in theological views, providing a multi-faceted perspective on this sensitive topic.
In this final module, Professor Kagan examines the moral implications of suicide, focusing on its impact on the individual and those around them. The discussion contrasts utilitarian and deontological viewpoints, considering the moral relevance of the harm involved. The course concludes with a summary of key themes, allowing students to reflect on the broader implications of mortality and its ethical considerations.