Intro to Philosophy

Through a combination of close reading, in class lecture and discussion, and reading response assignments, this course will introduce students to the study of philosophy. Traveling through the ethical theories of Aristotle in the ancient world, to those of J.S. Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Henry David Thoreau in the 19th century, to those of Theodor Adorno in the 20th century, this introduction will be organized around the perennial philosophical question of what constitutes the good life for human beings and the possible role of art in such a life
Designed for

Students who are interested in philosophy

Level

High school students

Class format

One-on-one and small group (Max. 7 students/class)

Class Introduction

This course introduces students to philosophy through a combination of reading, in-class lectures, discussions, and reading response assignments. This course will be organized around the perennial philosophical question of what constitutes the good life for human beings and the possible role of art in such a life.

Course Content
LessonTopics
1
  • Student introductions
  • Introduction to the subject
  • Overview of the branches of philosophy and logic
2
  • Discussion of homework questions
  • Aristotle’s Ethics part I
3
  • Discussion of Artistotle’s Ethics part I questions
  • Aristotle’s Ethics part II
4
  • Discussion of Aristotle’s Ethics part II question
  • Mill’s version of Utilitarianism
5
  • Discussion of Mill questions
  • Nietzsche part I
6
  • Discussion of Nietzsche part I questions
  • Nietzsche part II
7
  • Discussion of Nietzsche part II questions
  • Thoreau
8
  • Discussion of Thoreau’s questions
  • Adorno part I
9
  • Discussion of Adorno part I question
  • Adorno part II
10
  • Discussion of Adorno part II questions
  • My dinner with Andre clips and discussion of questions 
Feedback

Students and their parents will receive brief feedback after each class regarding the student’s general participation in class. Students will also receive feedback on graded assignments via email. 

Schedule

5 classes in total, 120 minutes/class

2024 Fall Group Classes: Open for Registration

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