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Philosophy, Religion, and the Meaning of Life cover art

Philosophy, Religion, and the Meaning of Life

By: Francis J. Ambrosio, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Francis J. Ambrosio
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Summary

What is the meaning of life? Is human existence meaningful or absurd?

If you've ever pondered these questions, you have an extraordinary adventure in store, as an award-winning teacher presents a boldly revealing inquiry into these most fundamental of human concerns.

In this inspiring series of 36 lectures, Professor Ambrosio charts how these questions have been pursued and grasped through the ages, providing you with the understanding and the tools to come to terms with them in a direct, practical way. Using the key metaphorical figures of the Hero and the Saint, he leads you through the history and evolution of two Western traditions that address the question of meaning: The Greek-derived, Humanist philosophical tradition and the Judeo-Christian/Islamic theistic tradition, tracking the two archetypes as they react to and evolve with cultural changes across the centuries. But these lectures go far beyond an exercise in intellectual understanding. From the very beginning, Professor Ambrosio aims the philosophical problem of meaning squarely at the student, inviting you to actively engage with it by asking you to grapple with universal questions like, How should I live my life? What is the relationship of death to life? Is there some deep, sustainable connection between the two?

Drawing on the work of thinkers from Plato and Epictetus to Simone Weil and Viktor Frankl, you'll probe the existential choices about meaning and value that exist as potentials in the fabric of our experience and that call forth the dignity and possibility of our own living.

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

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses

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mind blowing lectures

These are some of the best enlightening lectures I have ever come across. The professor has such a detailed knowledge of how the mind works that you think he peering into your thoughts. Truley amazing stuff

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Pretentious and annoying delivery style

Most of the great courses teachers offer clear indications as to who is saying what and what is being expressed in what text, by whom and whether the ideas expressed therein are valid, interesting, fallacious, outdated and so on. Not this guy. At the start of the chapter we’re usually told which volume and author we’re discussing, then what follows are the ideas expressed, with no apparent direction, from the teacher’s first-person point of view. The result is we get no signposting as to what is the author or philosopher’s opinion and what is the insight of the teacher. It’s all just blended together. Incredibly hard to listen to without these markers. The teacher clearly likes the sound of his own voice a little too much and doesn’t seem at all aware that what he is ‘teaching’ thanks to his signpost-free first-person delivery style is as clear as crude oil.

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Super

I loved these lectures and went through them in just three days. I am so thankful for all of the new perspectives they have given me. I think they are quite unique.

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1 person found this helpful