Week 1: Monday, January 17th

We have three learning goals for today. By the end of our lecture class:

1. You will understand the structure of a philosophical apology (what is philosophy?) and begin brainstorming about the main project in this course: composing your own such apology.

2. You will understand the overall learning goals for this course, journal and dialogue assignments.

3. You will understand how the distinction between “résumé virtues” and “eulogy virtues” can help you to map out your own philosophical apology.

You should also take time to review the Course Policies and Assignments before we meet. All of which are in the Policies and Assignments page.

READ THIS:

David Brooks, “The Moral Bucket List” (NY Times)

WATCH THIS:

AND WATCH THIS:

DO THIS:

Complete these steps before you come to class.

Consider the following questions, write down your responses in your journal, and talk about them with a friend:

1. Why do you think some people only think about their “résumé virtues” and not their “eulogy virtues”? Is there anything that you can do to cultivate both? 

2. How might philosophy help you to cultivate both kinds of virtue?

3. Describe some different “meta-ethical” theories.

4. Take The Good Life Starting Point Survey.