An introduction to important philosophical concepts and methods centered on two questions: "what can we know?" and "what is a person?". In the first half of the course, we focus on historically important discussions of the nature of knowledge, skepticism, scientific explanation, faith and meaning. In the second half, we shift to more contemporary discussions and consider five metaphysical issues concerning personhood: consciousness, personal identity over time, the nature of the self, freedom of the will, and the nature of responsibility.
4 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-A-II
An introduction to important philosophical concepts and methods centered on two questions: "what can we know?" and "what is a person?". In the first half of the course, we focus on historically important discussions of the nature of knowledge, skepticism, scientific explanation, faith and meaning. In the second half, we shift to more contemporary discussions and consider five metaphysical issues concerning personhood: consciousness, personal identity over time, the nature of the self, freedom of the will, and the nature of responsibility.
Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.