If you ponder over big philosophical questions such as - Is there any meaning in our existence? Is our life pre-determined? What is the essence of human mind? What kind of life is a valuable life? How can we determine what is right and what is wrong? What ideas should govern good society? etc. - this course is for you. In this course we will explore possible answers to such questions, using ideas of great thinkers of the West and the East.
Big Questions and Great Thinkers
Course Description
This course is about big philosophical questions, but it is not limited to philosophy only.
It takes a broad approach, also drawing information from the relevant fields of science.
It starts with a historical overview of different approaches to big questions taken by great thinkers of the past and progresses to the current views on these matters. This provides the background for a deeper examination of these big questions.
The course then proceeds to the examination of the specific questions from different areas of philosophy, such as epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy.
A significant amount of time and attention is given to the discussion of the current ethical issues concerning new developments in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
The course concludes with the discussion of philosophy of life, and its significance to 21st century living.
Notes will be provided. Please bring a pen and notebook.
Course Structure
During the course we will explore the following topics:
- Ancient approaches to big questions – Egypt/Mesopotamia/Persia
- Classical period – Greece/Rome
- Asian views – India/China
- Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Age of Enlightenment
- Modern philosophy and science
- Question of reliability of knowledge (epistemology)
- Origin of the world, and the question of free will (ontology)
- Nature of the mind and the issue of self-consciousness (philosophy of mind)
- Question concerning right living (ethics and metaethics)
- Applied ethics (medical ethics, bioethics, ethics of war, ethics of AI)
- Issues concerning justice, freedom, and equality (political philosophy)
- The existential problem (finding meaning)
Course Learning Outcomes
By attending this course students will:
- Improve critical thinking by exploring big questions.
- Understand key ideas about existence, ethics, and reality.
- Compare philosophical ideas from Western and Eastern traditions.
- Analyse and evaluate the views of great thinkers from the past and present.
- Develop your own thoughts on topics like life’s meaning, free will, and morality.
- Learn how to have thoughtful discussions about important human questions.
- Gain a deeper appreciation for how philosophy and science help us understand the world.
Student Testimonials
“Passionate and inspiring lecturer, well versed in subject.”
“I have learnt so much and I’m excited to keep expanding my knowledge.”
“Blew my mind open.”
Your Tutor is Tad Philips
Tad Philips BA(Phil), BEd(Sec), GDipTESOL, GCertIntRel has been teaching at WEA since 1998.
Tad has a wide range of interests, from philosophy, history and science to international relations and history of languages, which is reflected in his formal education.
He regularly gives public talks on these topics and writes articles for newsletters.
Tad also spent seven months living in China, which was a valuable experience. After his return, he worked for three years with new migrants, helping them learn English.
Tad is passionate about teaching, especially adults, and has been teaching for most of his life.
At WEA, he teaches two courses – Big Questions and Polish 1 – which reflects the diversity of his skills and interests. He regularly revises and upgrades both courses to keep them current and relevant.
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