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.

2 – The Nature of Persons: Dualism vs. Physicalism

2 – The Nature of Persons: Dualism vs. Physicalism

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Professor Kagan discusses the two main positions with regard to the question, “What is a person?” On the one hand, there is the dualist view, according to which a person is a body and a soul. On the other hand, the physicalist view argues that a person is just a body. The body, however, has a certain set of abilities and is capable of a large range of activities.

1 – Introduction

1 – Introduction

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Professor Bailyn introduces the course and discusses the course material and requirements. The three major topics that the course will cover are (1) exoplanets–planets around stars other than the Sun, (2) black holes–stars whose gravitational pull is so strong that even their own light rays cannot escape, and (3) cosmology–the study of the Universe as a whole. Class proper begins with a discussion on planetary orbits. A brief history of astronomy is also given and its major contributors over the centuries are introduced: Ptolemy, Galileo, Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton.

1 – Course Introduction

1 – Course Introduction

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Professor Kagan introduces the course and the material that will be covered during the semester. He aims to clarify what the class will focus on in particular and which subjects it will steer away from. The emphasis will be placed on philosophical questions that arise when one contemplates the nature of death. The first half of the course will address metaphysical questions while the second half will focus on value theory.