Introduction to Philosophy (offered only as a weekend course)

From Heraclitus to Lao Tsu, Socrates and Plato to Descartes, Nietzsche and modern thinkers, Philosophy explores the essence of human existence and the possibility of reaching one’s true potential. This exciting course combines ancient Greek – and not only – thinking with the pressing issues of our modern world: education, science, technology and our relationship with ourselves, each other and our environment. Through examining the philosophical masterpieces tradition has handed down to us as well as an approach based on experiential learning techniques, dialogue and creativity. We examine the possibilities inherent in Philosophy in close connection with action and the human being’s ethical dimension.

In this course, students will have a unique and inspiring opportunity to come in contact with the original philosophical texts and to realize the urgency of the questions which emerge from them: What can we know? How should we act so as to reach our full potential? What is the essence of justice and of human Virtue in general? How does Philosophy relate to science, religion, art, technology and humanity’s journey towards self-knowledge?

Through team work and cooperation, students gain a strong foundation in philosophical thinking. Questioning and dialogue are highly encouraged as this approach contributes to making students capable of recognizing and analyzing fundamental philosophical issues, as well as developing their own unique strengths in critical thinking.