Philosophy and the self
NB There will be no class on 28/05/24.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HP162
Duration: 11 sessions (over 12 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Who am I? Is there such a thing as “my true self”, distinct from my public one (or ones)? Am I the same person I was in my childhood and will I be the same person in old age? Does society (and language) play a role in making me who I am? Are my private thoughts and experiences really private? At the very least, it seems, I am the agent of my actions, the one responsible for what I choose to do. But how does this square with a scientific account of human nature? These and related questions will be looked at from various philosophical perspectives (with some digressions to sociology and psychology).
No class on 28/05/24.
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?
Personal identity, reason-explanations, freedom of the will, action and responsibility, human nature, thought and language, the social self, social interaction and social institutions.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- feel and appreciate the intellectual pressure exerted by the questions posed above
- appreciate their philosophical import
- identify some theoretical strategies of addressing them
- appreciate notable strengths and weaknesses of these strategies.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course does not presuppose any theoretical knowledge. It does, however, require a willingness to engage with abstract and challenging ideas. Some of the reading required is not easy. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be delivered through lectures interspersed with plenary and small-group discussions, utilising audio-visual material.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All course materials will be provided by the tutor or available free of charge online.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see City Lit's website for full details of upcoming philosophy courses.
