Philosophy and the self

Course Dates: 23/04/24 - 09/07/24
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Location: Online
Tutors: 
Who am I? Is there such a thing as “my true self”? These and related questions will be looked at from various philosophical perspectives.
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.
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SKU
210410
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00

Course Code: HP162

Tue, eve, 23 Apr - 09 Jul '24

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.

We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.