What is more real: what a thing is, or what it does? What do we actually mean by “knowledge”? Can we trust our senses in observing the world? How do we tell between good and evil, right actions from harmful actions? Where is the self (the “I” in “I am me”) located? Is there a self? What is the meaning of life? (Is there even an answer to that?) Is there such a thing a dumb question, or “too many” questions? 

What is philosophy?

“Philosophy is not here to provide all of the answers. What it can do however, which is more powerful, is ask the right questions.“ – Slavoj Zizek 

“Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

“Science is what you know. Philosophy is what you don't know.” – Bertrand Russell

Here’s a short list of common poor recommendations from others that, if you’ve heard them before, may indicate your potential to be a philosopher:

 + “You think too much about things.” 
 + “Get your head out of the clouds!”
 + “What kind of question is that?”
 + “Stop daydreaming!”
 + “Can’t you be more practical?”
 + “Stop asking so many questions!”

Little do many people realize that it’s precisely this sort of deep thinking and dreamful questioning that led to many of the greatest discoveries and triumphs in science, mathematics, and the arts throughout history. Without philosophy, there would be no Plato or Aristotle, no Kepler or Newton, no Picasso or Sartre, no Darwin or Freud. 

But how do all these disciplines relate to philosophy, the one and only true “meta-discipline” among them?

In this introductory one-time class, we will explore the question “What is philosophy?” To do so, we will touch on:
 
 + The five main branches of philosophical inquiry
 + The differences between the colloquial and academic definitions of “philosophy”
 + How philosophy can help you become a better reader and writer, a more critical thinker, a faster learner, and an all-around deeper lover of life (or even a great job applicant)

This class will be primarily lecture-style with illustrated slides and also include prompts for reflection and discussion with students.

Note: A minimum of four (4) students must be enrolled for this class to be held as scheduled. Students who wish to remain enrolled even in the case of there not being a sufficient number of enrollees will be transferred to the next available scheduled day and time of the same class.