Free online coursePhilosophy and the Science of Human Nature

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.