Introduction to Philosophy lecture 27

Today we discussed Schopenhauer's thoughts on art along with Aristotle's conception of tragedy and compared various examples that might be considered tragedies depending on your analysis of their plots based on Aristotle's definitions. The video is posted here (numbered 26). The quiz question was which composers operas do you think reflect the concept of tragedy better, Wagner or Verdi? (see this debate if you have the chance.)

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 26

Today we discussed John Dewey and education as a requirement for a functioning democracy. The youtube video of Boris Johnson and Mary Beard debating Greece and Rome fit nicely as we considered the nature of our republic. How much of a voice does each voter have, how much of a voice should they have, how important is their education regarding the quality of their vote and the impact on government. I neglected to make a video of this discussion. The quiz question is which civilization had a greater impact on ours, Greece or Rome? Or would you say both equally?

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 25

Today we discussed William James and other pragmatists with the topic of faith and reason. Cornel West was our media star philosopher as an example. The video is posted here. The quiz question was how should we treat turkeys for thanksgiving? Apparently some get a pardon while others do not.

Introduction to Philosophy lectures 23 and 24 evenings

This evening we discussed first Kant and String Theory. Video posted here. Quiz question was what do you think of the metaphor of string theory, especially viewing it as music, as applied to interpersonal relationships and social change? The second portion of the class was not recorded but discussed Hanah Arendt and Roger Scruton concerning immortality versus eternity. The quiz question was who do you think will be our first female president?

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 24

Today we discussed Hanah Arendt's distinction between immortality and eternity. The video is here. The quiz question was who do you think will be our first female president?

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 23

Today we discussed repercussions of Kant's theories especially with regard to contemporary physics and string theory in particular. The video is posted here. The quiz question today was what do you think of the metaphor of string theory, especially viewing it as music, as applied to interpersonal relationships and social change?

Intro to Philososphy lectures 21 and 22 evening

This evening we started talking about music and tied that into identity and political identity reading Appiah. The video is here. The quiz question taken from a poll asked do you think you have to be religious to be moral? The second half of the evening we started with James Flynn and the Flynn Effect and for the quiz I asked if you think it is true and if so why? We used this discussion to compare three articles from different time periods to see if there has been progress on the question of the meaning of life. The video is here - though the batteries ran out early.

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 22

Today we discussed the difference in IQ over time (the Flynn Effect) and how that was reflected in the readings. The video is here. The quiz question concerned the gas tax that starts in March. What do you think of it?

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 21

Today we discussed Kwame Anthony Appiah's concept of identity and political identity. The quiz question was what is your favorite music? The video I made is here.

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 19 and 20 evening

This evening we discussed the quiz questions from last week first and then went in to Epicurus, Descartes on consciousness, and a little with David Chalmers on VR. The video is here. The first quiz question is what is your favorite music (and please include a link) the second question was what do you think of group efforts in completing work like the term project for this course?

Introduction to Philosophy lecture 20

Today we used class to experiment with the VR goggles and did not go over the lecture. Instead we reviewed a bit of the earlier video from last class where David Chalmers discusses the nature of VR's affects on consciousness. The quiz question was what did you think of the VR experience? I plan on covering the posted lecture material Friday evening and will post the video of that session.