Free online coursePhilosophy and the Science of Human Nature
Duration of the online course: 19 hours and 40 minutes
4.86
(79)
Explore the intersection of philosophy and human nature in this comprehensive free course. Covering morality, happiness, virtue, utilitarianism, the Trolley Problem, and more.
Course Description
The course "Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature" offers an insightful journey into the intersection of philosophical thought and human behavior. Spanning a substantial duration of 19 hours and 40 minutes, this course meticulously explores fundamental themes in philosophy while anchoring them in the context of human nature. It has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.88, reflecting a high level of satisfaction among learners and a robust endorsement of its educational value.
The curriculum kicks off with an *Introduction*, setting the stage for an exploration of moral and ethical quandaries. In *The Ring of Gyges: Morality and Hypocrisy*, the intrinsic motivations behind moral actions are delved into, challenging students to consider the complexities of human integrity and deception.
Next, the course transitions into an examination of human psychology with *Parts of the Soul I* and *Parts of the Soul II*. These lessons dissect the components of the human soul, providing insights into the cognitive and emotional facets that drive behavior. Building upon this foundation, *The Well-Ordered Soul: Happiness and Harmony* contrasts starkly with *The Disordered Soul: Thémis and PTSD*, offering a nuanced look at psychological well-being and disorder.
Moving forward, the course examines the intricacies of human flourishing in *Flourishing and Attachment* and *Flourishing and Detachment*, addressing how personal relationships and emotional ties influence our sense of fulfillment. This leads naturally into discussions on moral development in *Virtue and Habit I* and *Virtue and Habit II*, where the role of habitual actions in the cultivation of virtue is analyzed.
In addressing *Weakness of the Will and Procrastination*, the course thoughtfully explores the human struggle with self-control and the tendency to defer tasks. The ethical landscape is further broadened through a critical analysis of *Utilitarianism and its Critiques* and *Deontology*, delving into competing theories of moral obligation and their real-world implications as exemplified by *The Trolley Problem*.
The course also includes *Empirically-informed Responses*, which bridges theory with empirical findings, enriching philosophical discourse with concrete data. Students engage with *Philosophical Puzzles* that challenge conventional wisdom and provoke deeper reflections on philosophical principles.
Penal justice theories are scrutinized in *Punishment I* and *Punishment II*, offering a comprehensive overview of the moral underpinnings of retributive justice. *Contract & Commonwealth: Thomas Hobbes* discusses Hobbesian perspectives on social contracts, segueing into strategic interactions in *The Prisoner's Dilemma*.
Equality is a central theme in *Equality* and *Equality II*, prompting students to consider various dimensions and implications of social and moral equality. Further, *Social Structures* examines the overarching systems that shape societal norms, while *Censorship* debates the moral and ethical boundaries of free expression.
As the course approaches its conclusion, it offers *Tying up Loose Ends*, bringing clarity and cohesion to the vast array of topics covered. Finally, in the *Concluding Lecture*, the insights gleaned throughout the course are synthesized, leaving students with a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between philosophy and human nature.
Course content
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Video class: 1. Introduction
0h42m
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Exercise: What makes the course 'Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature' distinctive?
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Video class: 2. The Ring of Gyges: Morality and Hypocrisy
0h42m
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Exercise: What did Plato started in 385 before the Common Era?
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Video class: 3. Parts of the Soul I
0h45m
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Exercise: What concept is discussed regarding the conflicting parts of the soul in the lecture?
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Video class: 4. Parts of the Soul II
0h45m
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Exercise: What was the main error demonstrated by the professor in the exercise with the clickers?
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Video class: 5. The Well-Ordered Soul: Happiness and Harmony
0h44m
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Exercise: Which option describes your internet use during class?
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Video class: 6. The Disordered Soul: Thémis and PTSD
0h43m
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Exercise: What is Aristotle's concept of virtue based on?
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Video class: 7. Flourishing and Attachment
0h37m
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Exercise: What was a key finding of Milgram's study on obedience?
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Video class: 8. Flourishing and Detachment
0h43m
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Exercise: What philosophical approach did Epictetus advocate for dealing with life's challenges?
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Video class: 9. Virtue and Habit I
0h40m
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Exercise: What is the primary distinction between normative and descriptive laws?
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Video class: 10. Virtue and Habit II
0h44m
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Exercise: What additional criteria does Aristotle mention for actions to be considered virtuous?
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Video class: 11. Weakness of the Will and Procrastination
0h45m
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Exercise: What is the main critique contemporary social psychologists have of Aristotle's moral theory?
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Video class: 12. Utilitarianism and its Critiques
0h47m
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Exercise: What kind of philosophical inquiry does moral philosophy undertake?
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Video class: 13. Deontology
0h46m
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Exercise: What is the greatest hapiness principle?
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Video class: 14. The Trolley Problem
0h48m
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Exercise: What is morally required in the trolley problem scenario?
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Video class: 15. Empirically-informed Responses
0h49m
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Exercise: What is the moral decision Jim should make in the Bystander's Three-Way Dilemma?
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Video class: 16. Philosophical Puzzles
0h47m
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Exercise: What is the moral challenge related to the trolley problem discussed in class?
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Video class: 17. Punishment I
0h44m
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Exercise: Which are the two justifications for punishment?
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Video class: 18. Punishment II
0h48m
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Exercise: What is a key challenge with utilizing a consequentialist justification for punishment?
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Video class: 19. Contract & Commonwealth: Thomas Hobbes
0h46m
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Exercise: What are the two primary theories of punishment discussed?
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Video class: 20. The Prisoner's Dilemma
0h47m
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Exercise: What choice is rational for 'A' to make in The Prisoner's Dilemma game matrix?
This free course includes:
19 hours and 40 minutes of online video course
Exercises to train your knowledge
Certificate of course completion
100% free, from content to certificate
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Course comments: Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature
Satyam Tiwari
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