PHIL400

The question of the meaning of life is often regarded as urgent not only for philosophers but for all humans. The beliefs about what fulfill humans often stem from the assumptions of what is truly meaningful in life. Philosophy’s goal is to rigorously analyze whether any of the assumptions made count as instances of knowledge rather than mere belief. Students shall bring to bear in the analysis such topics as science, morality, religion, language, personal experience, and art. Focuses on the views that fall under three categories: the religious, the non-religious, and the skeptical. Readings include writings by Aristotle, Epicurus, Schopenhauer, Thomas Nagel and more. Epicurus on Happiness, The Seventh Seal, Waking Life, and other films relevant to the topic may supplement class discussion.