Fun Philosophy Summer Boot Camp 10 Weeks: Critical Thinking, Metaphysics, Morals

TOPICS COVERED: Knowledge (Epistemology), Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Morals, Evolution, Free Will, Personal Identity & the Self

▬▬▬▬▬▬  INTRODUCTION  ▬▬▬▬▬
The aim of the "Fun Philosophy Summer Camp" classes is to discuss the most interesting topics in Philosophy, because if we enjoy our first experiences of thinking, then this encourages kids to tackle more challenging subjects. So this is a great way to get hooked on THINKING, by starting with the most easily accessible and enjoyable topics. Kids can then use their new thinking SUPER POWERS in all different kinds of situations: from everyday decisions, to doing well at school, to even just impressing their 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. 

▬▬▬▬▬▬  COURSE SUMMARY  ▬▬▬▬▬
This series of classes will look at the following topics (these are all also available individually):
1) MORALS: Utilitarianism - For the Greater Good
2) EPISTEMOLOGY: Descartes: I think therefore I am. 
3) METAPHYSICS: Perception & Direct Realism
4) METAPHYSICS: Mind & Consciousness
5) MORALS 2: Duty Theories: Kant and Singer
6) PERSONHOOD: What and who counts as a "person"?
7) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & THE ETHICS OF AI
8) PERSONAL IDENTITY: Could you survive teleporting?
9) THE FERMI PARADOX: Why haven't we heard from aliens yet?
10) THE MEANINGS OF LIFE: A meta-analysis of a few approaches

▬▬▬▬▬▬  CLASS STYLE  ▬▬▬▬▬
I use PowerPoint presentations for all my classes, so I can mix text and multimedia and make the class more interesting. Each 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 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.