"...for me philosophy is not about authoritative pronouncements. It is not about one person claiming to be deeper than others or making allegedly wise assertions. It is about leading the examined life, with humility about how little we really understand, with a commitment to arguments that are rigorous, reciprocal, and sincere, and with a willingness to listen to others as equal participants and to respond to what they offer." -Martha Nussbaum, The Monarchy of Fear

This course is designed to allow students to consider big ideas. We will ask questions that have challenged and shaped humanity – What is the nature of reality? What is good? What is the right thing to do? How should we live? Why are we here? - as well as answers humans have offered for those questions. The goal is to make students familiar with the important schools of thought from human history while developing analytical and discourse skills useful in nearly any walk of life. Essentially, the goal of the course is to help students become philosophers and better answer big questions for themselves.

This class is divided into two halves:

• Paths to Truth - Religion and Philosophy
• How to Live a Good Life - Ethics, Justice and Meaning

Syllabus (and memes)

Dialogue

Philosophy - like almost all learning - is a dialogue, an ongoing conversation. A big part of this class will be devoted to inviting students into that conversation and asking them to take part in it.

Introduction to Philosophy and Religion

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

"I see, my dear Theaetetus, that Theodorus had a true insight into your nature when he said that you were a philosopher; for wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder."

-Socrates

Philosophy in High School?

The School of Athens

Public Discourse

Multimedia

The Dark Knight