PHIL 360-01, Existentialism, Spring 2007

Abstract

COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide a broad overview of various “existential” texts, including plays, short stories, a novel, and discursive philosophical writings. 2. To situate these writings within the broader context of Western philosophical traditions, including ancient philosophy, scholastic/medieval philosophy, rationalism, empiricism and phenomenology, among others. 3. To assist you in being able to express - both verbally and in written form – the abstract thought brought forth through the use of critical thinking skills involved in addressing these texts and issues. 4. To give you some specific intellectual material to help you grapple with the ambiguity, anxiety, and freedom that are indelible aspects of the human condition. 5. To engage in philosophizing in a way that allows you to maintain/achieve/regain a childlike wonder and sense of play in the face of the vast and mysterious universe.