Philosophy and the psyche
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: HP206
- Dates: 03/06/24 - 24/06/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Anita Kasabova
Course Code: HP206
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Ancient Greek philosophers introduced a complex notion of the psyche, comprising reason, emotion, decision-making, desire and impulse. We examine how they explained the location of the psyche in the body and related physical well-being to a well-functioning psyche. Students will discover Descartes’ less-well-known theory of emotions and delve into some explorations which prefigure psychology. We look into Sartre’s explanation of shame as an embodied emotion and examine philosophical insights on how trauma registers in the body. We also consider how a disintegrating psyche can impact the body.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Students will become familiar with philosophical debates on the psyche and psyche-body connections from their Greek origins to Descartes’ less-known views on the emotions. We look into philosophical discussions on shame as an embodied emotion and social regulator. We also examine how memories can be registered in the body and how philosophers make sense of a disintegrating psyche. Lastly, we discuss psyche-body connections in transgender identities.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand and discuss philosophical theories on the psyche and psyche-body connections. You will be familiar with different perspectives on the psyche and how it is lodged (or not) in the body, in the history of ideas, philosophy, and psychology.
• Understand and evaluate different perspectives on the psyche and psyche-body connections and contribute your own opinion to the discussion.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
A basic knowledge of philosophical principles is an advantage, although newcomers to philosophy are most welcome. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you may not always agree, are more important than specific levels of skill. The tutor will use a flexible approach to meet students’ needs.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is lecture-based, using power-point and whiteboard, but sufficient time will be made for discussion, which is an important part of the learning process. Short extracts from relevant philosophical texts will be provided for comments and class discussion. The tutor will provide feedback about progress on request. The power-points and selected materials will be available for personal study. Students are encouraged to look at the power-points in their own time and bring questions to the class. Additional reading is optional.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Your questions and an enthusiasm for discussing issues concerning the psyche and how it is lodged in the body.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please check our website at www.citylit.ac.uk for up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy courses.
Anita teaches and writes about philosophical topics. She has taught undergraduate and graduate students at university for many years, as well as adult learners. She uses a cross-disciplinary approach in her teaching and encourages students to examine intersections between philosophy, psychology, and other humanities subjects. She is the author of a book On Autobiographical Memory (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009), and numerous articles on topics in the history of philosophy, various aspects of memory and the role of shame in social media. She also published two poetry collections. She studied at Geneva University, has an MA in English literature, a PhD in Philosophy, and a Bulgarian national scientific habilitation in Philosophy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
