This module discusses empirically-informed responses to ethical dilemmas, integrating findings from psychology and cognitive science into philosophical discussions. Professor Gendler emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in ethical contexts. Key discussion points include:
Students will reflect on how scientific findings can enhance our understanding of ethical behavior and decision-making.
This module serves as an introduction to the course, where Professor Gendler outlines the main objectives and themes. Students will reflect on their learning journey, exploring how their understanding of happiness, morality, and political structures has evolved. Key topics discussed include:
Students will gain insight into the philosophical exploration of human nature and its implications for contemporary society.
This module dives into the Ring of Gyges, a philosophical thought experiment from Plato's "Republic" that questions morality and hypocrisy. Professor Gendler encourages students to consider the implications of acting without accountability. Key discussion points include:
This exploration invites students to reflect on their values and the societal structures that shape them.
This module discusses the concept of the soul as understood by various philosophers, particularly Plato and Aristotle. It focuses on the notion of the multi-part soul, which is vital for understanding human motivation and behavior. Key aspects include:
Through this exploration, students will understand the complexities of human nature and its philosophical implications.
Building on the previous module, this session further examines the parts of the soul and their implications for human behavior and ethics. The discussion emphasizes how different aspects of the soul contribute to overall well-being and ethical living. Focus areas include:
Students will gain deeper insights into how philosophical theories about the soul relate to contemporary understandings of psychology and ethics.
This module focuses on the idea of a well-ordered soul, exploring the relationship between happiness and harmony within oneself. Professor Gendler discusses how achieving a balance among the soul's parts leads to flourishing. Key topics include:
This session encourages students to reflect on their own lives and the practices that contribute to their happiness.
This module examines the concept of a disordered soul, particularly in relation to psychological conditions such as PTSD. Students learn how disorder within the soul can affect one's mental health and ethical behavior. Discussion points include:
Through this exploration, students will gain insights into the interplay between philosophy, psychology, and ethics.
This module discusses the themes of flourishing and attachment, emphasizing the importance of relationships for human well-being. Professor Gendler explores how attachment influences our capacity for happiness. Key areas of focus include:
Students will reflect on their own relationships and how they affect their sense of fulfillment and happiness.
This module focuses on flourishing and detachment, exploring the balance between attachment and independence. Professor Gendler discusses how detachment can be beneficial for personal growth and well-being. Key points include:
Students will learn to navigate the complexities of attachment and detachment in their own lives.
This module discusses the relationship between virtue and habit, emphasizing how habits shape moral character and ethical behavior. Professor Gendler explores the philosophical underpinnings of virtue development. Key topics include:
Students will reflect on their own habits and how they contribute to or hinder their ethical development.
This module continues the exploration of virtue and habit, focusing on practical applications of cultivating virtues in daily life. Professor Gendler discusses how to integrate virtuous habits into everyday routines. Key discussion points include:
Students will develop actionable plans for adopting virtuous habits in their lives.
This module addresses the concepts of weakness of will and procrastination, examining how these phenomena relate to moral decision-making and ethical behavior. Professor Gendler encourages critical thinking about self-control. Key topics include:
Students will reflect on their challenges with self-control and consider philosophical insights that can aid in personal growth.
This module focuses on utilitarianism and its critiques, examining one of the most influential ethical theories in philosophy. Professor Gendler discusses key proponents like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, as well as objections to utilitarian principles. Key areas include:
This exploration encourages students to critically assess the implications of utilitarianism for personal and societal ethics.
This module delves into deontology, a moral theory focused on rules and duties. Professor Gendler discusses key figures such as Immanuel Kant and the implications of deontological ethics for moral decision-making. Key discussion points include:
Students will reflect on the importance of duty and moral obligations in their ethical considerations.
This module presents the Trolley Problem, a well-known ethical dilemma that challenges students to consider moral choices in life-and-death situations. Professor Gendler guides a discussion on the implications of consequentialist versus deontological reasoning. Key topics include:
This module encourages students to grapple with complex moral questions and reflect on their ethical frameworks.
This module discusses empirically-informed responses to ethical dilemmas, integrating findings from psychology and cognitive science into philosophical discussions. Professor Gendler emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior in ethical contexts. Key discussion points include:
Students will reflect on how scientific findings can enhance our understanding of ethical behavior and decision-making.
This module presents various philosophical puzzles, inviting students to engage with thought experiments that challenge their understanding of human nature and ethics. Professor Gendler encourages critical thinking and discussion on these puzzles. Key areas include:
Students will develop analytical skills and deepen their comprehension of complex philosophical ideas.
This module discusses the concept of punishment, exploring its philosophical foundations and implications for justice. Professor Gendler examines various theories of punishment and their ethical considerations. Key topics include:
Students will critically assess the role of punishment in society and its impact on justice.
This module continues the discussion on punishment, focusing on its application in contemporary contexts. Professor Gendler analyzes modern punitive systems and debates surrounding criminal justice. Key areas of focus include:
Students will critically engage with contemporary issues related to punishment and justice.
This module focuses on the social contract theory, particularly through the lens of Thomas Hobbes. Professor Gendler discusses Hobbes' views on human nature, society, and the necessity of a social contract for maintaining order. Key topics include:
Students will reflect on the relevance of social contract theory in understanding modern governance and social obligations.
This module discusses the Prisoner's Dilemma, a fundamental problem in game theory that illustrates the complexities of cooperation and competition. Professor Gendler explores its philosophical implications for ethics and human behavior. Key areas of focus include:
This exploration encourages students to reflect on the nature of trust and moral choices in society.
This module focuses on the concept of equality, exploring its philosophical dimensions and implications for justice and society. Professor Gendler discusses various theories of equality and their applications in contemporary issues. Key topics include:
Students will critically engage with the importance of equality in shaping ethical and political frameworks.
This module continues the discussion on equality, focusing on its application in various societal contexts. Professor Gendler analyzes modern interpretations of equality and their implications for justice. Key areas of focus include:
Students will reflect on the challenges and advancements in achieving equality in contemporary society.
This module discusses social structures, examining how they influence human behavior and ethical considerations. Professor Gendler explores the relationship between individuals and societal frameworks. Key topics include:
Students will critically engage with how social contexts affect ethical behavior and personal values.
This module focuses on censorship, examining its philosophical implications for freedom of speech and expression. Professor Gendler discusses the balance between societal norms and individual rights. Key areas include:
Students will reflect on the complexities of censorship and its implications for democracy and personal freedoms.
This module ties up loose ends from the course, allowing students to reflect on their learning journey. Professor Gendler encourages students to consider how their understanding of philosophy and human nature has evolved. Key discussion points include:
Students will leave with a deeper appreciation of the philosophical inquiry into human nature.
This concluding module wraps up the course with a final lecture that synthesizes the material covered. Professor Gendler emphasizes the interconnectedness of philosophical themes regarding human nature. Key topics include:
Students will leave with a comprehensive understanding of the course material and a sense of philosophical inquiry's ongoing relevance.