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Philosophy as a Guide to Living cover art

Philosophy as a Guide to Living

By: Stephen A. Erickson, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Stephen A. Erickson
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Summary

We've all asked ourselves whether there is any meaning in human life. But for philosophers, this is just the first question of many: Is such a question even answerable by philosophy? And if so, can the practice of philosophy itself pursue a positive answer? Can philosophy prove life has any meaning?

These 24 accessible lectures offer a thoughtful and stimulating discussion of how some of the greatest minds in the past three centuries have pondered why we are here and what journey we might be on. It's also a chance for you to take your own journey, as Professor Erickson guides you along the intellectual road traveled by a host of powerful thinkers.

You'll consider the post-Enlightenment ideas of Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, and other European philosophers. Then you'll trace the line of thought through such intellectuals as Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Freud, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, Foucault, and Habermas.

Most importantly, however, Professor Erickson has designed a course that requires no prior background in philosophy and avoids the often-intimidating language in which serious philosophy can be expressed. And he has done so without diminishing the extraordinary intellectual depth that each of the philosophers included here bring to the debate.

The avenues opened by these thinkers do not, of course, explain the meaning of life - or even if such a meaning exists. But they do take us further along a fascinating and worthwhile journey that will almost certainly never end.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2006 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2006 The Great Courses

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Comprehensive introduction.

I completed all the lectures and found this a very interesting course. I by no means understood every point made but now I have finished the course I can see how Professor Erickson has touched upon the major issues and linked the various philosophers together. It has been a journey that has sparked my interest and I am ready to read and learn more. So, that which I was hoping to achieve has come to pass; I know more about philosophy, I have had questions answered but more often raised, I have had my interest sparked and most of all I have enjoyed the lectures, making notes and considering the points raised. Altogether a winner I would say.

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One of the best on its subject.

One of the best on its subject, providing a concise, detailed review of existing matter.

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A thought provoking listen

This is a well delivered lecture series which I would recommend to anyone interested in the questions of philosophy.

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6 people found this helpful

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a very good course

very good, this in-depth survey allowed me to understand what someone like Marx or Kierkegaard were about. I honestly don't understand why this course has. 4.6 rating. Even if one knows these things well, they are certainly not easy to explain. 5 stars from me

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