7 – Plato, Part II: Arguments for the Immortality of the Soul

7 – Plato, Part II: Arguments for the Immortality of the Soul

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The discussion of Plato’s Phaedo continues, presenting more arguments for the existence and immortality of the soul. One such argument is “the argument from the nature of the forms,” which states that because the forms are non-physical objects and cannot be grasped by something physical like the body, it follows that they must be grasped by the soul which must be non-physical as well. This argument is followed by the “argument from recycling” and “the argument from recollection.”

6 – Microlensing, Astrometry and Other Methods

6 – Microlensing, Astrometry and Other Methods

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The class begins with a discussion on transits – important astronomical events that help astronomers to find new planets. The event occurs when a celestial body moves across the face of the star it revolves around and blocks some of its light. By calculating the amount of light that is being obscured astronomers can obtain important information about both star and planet, such as size, density, radial velocity and more. The concept of planetary migration is explained in order to better understand the dramatic differences between bodies in the Inner and Outer Solar System. Finally, potential problems in the Solar System that may occur as a result of migration are addressed.

6 – Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part IV; Plato, Part I

6 – Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part IV; Plato, Part I

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The lecture begins with a continued discussion of the Cartesian argument and its weaknesses. The lecture then turns to Plato’s metaphysical views in the context of his work, Phaedo. The key point in the discussion is the idea that in addition to the ordinary empirical world that we are familiar with, we posit the existence of a second realm in which the Platonic forms exist. These forms are the abstract properties that we attribute to physical objects, such as beauty, justice, goodness and so on. Since it is the soul that conceives of these Platonic forms and ideas, Plato argues that the soul not only outlives the body but lasts forever. It is perfect, immaterial and indestructible.

5 – Planetary Transits

5 – Planetary Transits

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Professor Bailyn talks about student responses for a paper assignment on the controversy over Pluto. The central question is whether the popular debate is indeed a “scientific controversy.” A number of scientific “fables” are discussed and a moral is associated with each: the demotion of Pluto (moral: science can be affected by culture); the discovery of 51 Peg b (morals: expect the unexpected, and look at your data); the disproof of pulsation as explanation for the Velocity Curves (moral: sometimes science works like science).

5 – Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part III: Free Will and Near-Death Experiences

5 – Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part III: Free Will and Near-Death Experiences

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Professor Kagan discusses in detail the argument of free will as proof for the existence of an immaterial soul. The argument consists of three premises: 1) We have free will. 2) Nothing subject to determinism has free will. 3) All purely physical systems are subject to determinism. The conclusion drawn from this is that humans are not a purely physical system; but Professor Kagan explains why this argument is not truly compelling. In addition, near-death experiences and the Cartesian argument are discussed at length.

4 – Discovering Exoplanets: Hot Jupiters

4 – Discovering Exoplanets: Hot Jupiters

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The formation of planets is discussed with a special emphasis on the bodies in the Solar System. Planetary differences between the celestial bodies in the Inner and Outer Solar System are observed. Professor Bailyn explains how the outlook of our Solar System can predict what other star systems may look like. It is demonstrated how momentum equations are applied in astronomers’ search for exoplanets. Planet velocities are discussed and compared in relation to a planet’s mass. Finally, the Doppler shift is introduced and students learn how it is used to measure the velocity of distant objects, such as galaxies and planets.

4 – Introduction to Plato’s Phaedo; Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part II

4 – Introduction to Plato’s Phaedo; Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part II

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After a brief introduction to Plato’s Phaedo, more arguments are offered in this lecture in defense of the existence of an immaterial soul. The emphasis here is on the fact that we need to believe in the existence of a soul in order to explain the claim that we possess free will. This is an argument dualists use as an objection to the physicalists: since no merely physical entity could have free will, there must be more to us than just being a physical object.

3 – Our Solar System and the Pluto Problem

3 – Our Solar System and the Pluto Problem

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Class begins with a review of the first problem set. Newton’s Third Law is applied in explaining how exoplanets are found. An overview of the Solar System is given; each planet is presented individually and its special features are highlighted. Astronomy is discussed as an observational science, and the subject of how to categorize objects in the Solar System is addressed. The Pluto controversy is given special attention and both sides of the argument regarding its status are considered.

3 – Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part I

3 – Arguments for the Existence of the Soul, Part I

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The lecture focuses on arguments that might be offered as proof for the existence of the soul. The first series of arguments discussed is those known as “inferences to the best explanation.” That is, we posit the existence of things we cannot see so as to explain something else that is generally agreed to take place.

2 – Planetary Orbits

2 – Planetary Orbits

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Exoplanets are introduced and students learn how astronomers detect their presence as well as the challenges associated with it. Physics equations are explained as well as their importance in the context of the course. A number of problems are worked out to get students used to dealing with large numbers in calculating planetary masses, interplanetary distances, etc.