Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/know-thyself-the-examined-life
In the ancient world, wisdom was often distilled into concise, powerful aphorisms. Among the most enduring are the injunctions from the temple of Delphi: ‘Nothing in excess’ and ‘Know Thyself.’ While the former speaks to balance, the latter, ‘Know Thyself,’ has captivated thinkers for millennia. Coursera’s course, ‘Know Thyself – The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined Life,’ offers a compelling journey into this fundamental human quest.
This course delves into the very essence of self-knowledge, exploring its value and its inherent limitations. It poses critical questions: What are we missing when we lack self-awareness? How does it impact our wisdom, virtue, and competence? The syllabus promises a rich exploration, starting with the foundational ideas of Socrates. His famous declaration that ‘an unexamined life is not worth living’ is put under the microscope, challenging us to consider the importance of introspection.
The journey then takes a fascinating turn with René Descartes. Prepare to question your own reality as the course unpacks Descartes’ radical doubt – his attempt to strip away all uncertainty to find a bedrock of knowledge. His provocative ideas on the mind-body dualism are a cornerstone of the exploration, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of our own existence.
Following Descartes, the course tackles the enduring mind-body problem, dissecting how Descartes’ influential dualistic view was both challenged and, in the 20th century, re-examined by thinkers like Gilbert Ryle. This segment promises to illuminate how practical ‘know-how’ is a valid form of knowledge and how self-discovery can sometimes be found not by looking inward, but outward.
Finally, the course confronts the complex concept of human nature. Does it exist? How can we truly know it? The syllabus indicates an investigation into how the idea of human nature is used and misused, offering profound insights into ourselves and the potential for personal change.
‘Know Thyself’ is more than just an academic exercise; it’s an invitation to a more examined, and arguably, a more fulfilling life. It equips you with the philosophical tools to dissect your own beliefs, understand your cognitive processes, and appreciate the multifaceted nature of being human. Whether you’re a philosophy enthusiast or simply seeking greater personal insight, this course is a highly recommended exploration into one of life’s most profound questions.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/know-thyself-the-examined-life