Members-U3A Sunbury

Course Details

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Course Code:	205FRI01
Description:	Philosophy - TERMS 1 & 2
Frequency:	1&3
Tutor/Leader:	John Hall
Type:	Long Course
Location:	SFSC Board Room
Start Date:	07/02/2020 Fri
Finish Date:	17/07/2020
Start Time:	10:00
Finish Time:	12:00
Number of weeks:	17
Maximum enrolments:	23
Number Enrolled:	19
Admin only:	Yes
Comments:	This group will continue with the study of 'Introduction to Western Philosophy' begun in Term 4 2019. Details are as follows: Unit 1 - About Philosophy What philosophy is; why we should study it; the main areas of philosophical study; the relationship between philosophy and religion and philosophy and science. Unit 2 - In the Beginning The beginnings of Western philosophy; some problems and questions of the ancient Greeks; the life and death of Socrates; the Sophists. Unit 3 - Two Theories of Knowledge Plato's 'Forms', the Cave and levels of reality, idealism; the philosophical naturalism of Aristotle. Unit 4 - Epistemology - What is Knowledge The two major approaches to knowledge: rationalism and empiricism; the views of Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume. Unit 5 - The Question of Identity - Who Am I ? Major theories in the 'mind-body' debate - materialism, behaviourism, idealism, dualism, science. Unit 6 - Philosophy of Religion Nature of 'God'; arguments for the existence of God; arguments against the existence of God; the argument from religious experience; miracles; faith; Pascal's Wager. Unit 7 - Ethics: What is it to Live a Moral Life What it is to live a moral life; facts and values; the language we use; free will and determinism; absolutism and relativism; some ethical theories. Unit 8 - The Meaning of Life Some answers to questions about meaning and purpose; religious and atheistic existentialism.
Additional Comments and Prerequisite:	No prerequisites. Material in PDF form from the U3A Online course is distributed in advance for each class, then worked through with John at the next session. The course continues in Term 1 2020. New members welcomed.
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