Fun Philosophy: Do We (Accurately) Hallucinate the World All the Time? Even Now!

TOPICS COVERED: Philosophy of Mind, Perception, Time and Science, Epistemology, Direct vs Indirect Realism

The aim of my "Fun Philosophy" series of classes is to discuss the most interesting topics in Philosophy, because if we enjoy our first experiences of thinking, then this encourages kids to keep going (see my other class listing for examples). So this is a great way to get hooked on THINKING, by starting with an easily accessible and enjoyable topic. Kids can then use their new thinking SUPER POWERS in all different kinds of situations, from everyday decisions to school work, or even just to impress our friends. No previous experience necessary, just a willingness to think about the topics introduced and to have some fun having your mind blown! (in a good way). I teach in the tradition of Western Analytical Philosophy, stemming from Ancient Greece to modern times, which means we focus on rational logical arguments and how to critically analyse them.

▬▬▬▬▬▬  CLASS SUMMARY  ▬▬▬▬▬
In this class we will explore whether we see external objects directly or indirectly by discussing an extended Time-lag Argument and some theories of Time that relate to it. This is a really important subject in Philosophy of Mind & Perception because it explores how close our contact with external reality is and how reliable it is as a basis for empirical knowledge (Epistemology). We look at brains-in-vats and the film "The Matrix" and whether evolution cares, as long as we stay alive.

▬▬▬▬▬▬  CLASS STYLE  ▬▬▬▬▬
I use PowerPoint presentations for all my classes, so I can mix text and multimedia and make the class more interesting. This class will be run using an "intro-discussion-repeat" format. This means I will take a few minutes to introduce a topic, usually via a fun easily accessible thought experiment, and then we will pause to discuss it briefly. Then we'll move on to the next related topic and another great thought experiment and pause for discussion after that one too. This means that you can enjoy the class however you like. Speak up and get involved in the discussions, or just listen and enjoy with no pressure. If you like this class then you can check out my other Fun Philosophy Courses, cherry picked to choose the most interesting, accessible and relevant philosophy subjects for kids, so they learn to enjoy thinking.

▬▬▬▬▬▬  LINKED TOPICS  ▬▬▬▬▬
Fun Philosophy: I Think Therefore I Am. Did Descartes Prove We Exist? Maybe Not!
Fun Philosophy: What Is Consciousness? Zombies Help Us Explore Inner Space!
Fun Philosophy: Does Our Evolution Control Us? Can Selfish Genes Allow Altruism?

You can also take all six of my FUN PHILOSOPHY classes as a multi-day course:
Fun Intro to Philosophy: Knowledge, Metaphysics, Mind, Self, Evolution & Morals

Please see my class listings for more details!