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Ancient Greek Philosophy
Dr. Will Buckingham
What does it mean to be a sceptic, or a cosmopolitan? Who was it who first talked about atoms? Why is it sometimes good to be a cynic? Why do Plato and Aristotle still matter today? Ancient Greek Philosophy will give you a whirlwind tour of some of the major philosophers and major ideas in the Greek tradition. We’ll explore some of the ancient world’s strangest and most profound thinkers. And we’ll ask what relevance ancient Greek philosophy still has for us in the 21st Century.
How Science Works
Benjamin Keep
What do we know about science? Although we encounter scientific claims on a daily basis in the modern world, we rarely consider science itself as an object of study. This course remedies that. It explores deep questions about scientific knowledge and how science works. For instance: How does science develop reliable knowledge? When should scientists change their beliefs? And do they do so when they should? It draws on the philosophy, history, and sociology of science to give you the tools to think more critically about the science you encounter, offers intellectual conundrums to ponder—and it...
The Mad World of the Roman Emperors
James Wareing
This course will give you an insight in the world of the Roman emperors. In the late first century BC, Rome transitioned from a republic, where no man could rule Rome by themselves, to an empire. In doing so, Rome experienced a period of unprecedented success and innovation. Yet, this coincided with the rule of some of the most tyrannical and brutal emperors history has seen. In many cases, they were no more brutal than they were mad. They would be a tabloid’s dream today, and some of the stories are scarcely believable. Our journey will introduce us to a range of characters, such as the...
Sci-Phi: Philosophy through Science Fiction
David Kyle Johnson, PhD
Science fiction isn’t juvenile escapism. It finds its origin in philosophical writings and is one of the fundamental avenues through which we engage with philosophical questions. Do we have free will? Could machines think? Could there be an afterlife? Does God exist? What is good and evil? In this course, we will explore these questions and more by seeing how they are raised in science fiction and how the world’s greatest thinkers have tried to answer them. After finishing the course, you will have a greater appreciation for science fiction and a better understanding of the philosophical...
Masterpieces Of World Literature And Why They Matter
Alisa Miller
Throughout history and around the world, certain books have made such an impact on readers that they created a permanent place in literature. Often, these books illustrate elements of humanity that resonate with people, such as class struggle or finding oneself. Other times, what the book brings is so unique or groundbreaking that it serves as an example for the next generation of literature. This course will explore ten literary masterpieces from around the world and why they have earned a measure of importance.