PHIL 021 - World Philosophers on Death and the Good Life

    Recent Professors
    Barbara Upton
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2024, Fall 2023
    Class Size
    38 students
    Credits
    3
    Prerequisite
    None
    Fall 2024 Sections
    View Fall 2024 sections of PHIL 021
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 3B · IGETC Area 3B · CSU GE Area C2
    Description
    This course explores the major philosophical questions about the good life and a good death, and what is a meaningful life from a multi-cultural perspective. The effects of class, gender, and ethnicity on conceptions of the good life and death are analyzed. The following issues are also explored: happiness and the good life, virtue and the good life, quantity vs. quality of life, hedonism and pleasure, authentic existence and how to go towards one's death authentically, the possibility of disembodied existence, the nature of consciousness, the nature and significance of individuality and personal identity, concepts of reincarnation or transmigration of souls as these appear in major religious traditions, the nature and significance of so- called "paranormal" experiences, and the meaning of salvation or liberation or transcendence in major religious traditions (concepts of heaven, nirvana, moksa, satori, etc.). Required readings are taken from classic texts of Western and non-Western philosophy and religion, as well as contemporary American feminist philosophy, and African, aborigine, and native American sources.
    Usually Held
    Mon Wed 10:55am–12:20pm