Philosophy of human relationships

“Hell is other people”, declares Jean-Paul Sartre. Is he right in believing that because we are condemned to live with others we can never comfortably be ourselves? Explore the thoughts of philosophers on human relationships.

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Key course information

Date
25/02/12

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23
Concession: £11

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP013

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course examines ways in which philosophers have thought about human relationships –between strangers but also friendship and family relations. What do we owe each other and what can we expect from each other? Does living in a community make our lives better or harder? We will study the ideas of prominent thinkers such as Aristotle, Confucius, Rousseau, Kant and Nietzsche.

What topics will we cover?

The course will cover some philosophical aspects of life with others. We will discuss moral and political implications, as well as relevant human nature theories.
We will discuss questions such as:
Are human beings by their nature “social beings”?
How is life in a community possible?
What is the nature of friendship?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

demonstrate an awareness of the distinctness of philosophical approaches to human relationships as opposed to psychological.
be able to identify major philosophers and their ideas about human relationships.
show confidence in independently philosophising about human relationships.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for anyone who would like to reflect on and discuss human relationships from a philosophical perspective. No previous study of philosophy is required. An enthusiasm for learning as well as an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course. On joining this course you should be able to read and comment upon extracts from a philosophical text.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will combine tutor presentation, group work and lively discussion. Photocopied texts will be distributed for study by the class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. Please bring pen and paper.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Student learning will be assessed through discussion and question and answer, and the tutor will give feedback to students.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Other courses in the Philosophy section. Please see the prospectus and/or the City Lit website: www.citylit.ac.uk.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.