Start Date
29 January, 2025
There will be 6 weekly meetings on Wednesday, 6 - 8pm, starting from 29 January.
Overview
The world around us is saturated with crises; be they local, global, temporary, or lasting. These crises are so pressing and urgent, requiring immediate, pragmatic attention, that turning to philosophy might seem strange. In this course, we will explore philosophical questions relating to crises, showing how philosophy can help us. In some cases, we might find solutions, in others it may only be pinpointing the correct question that needs answering. Can we do things to AI robots we would not do to our fellow humans? Can war ever be just? What role does social media play in crises? Can, and should, we save the planet? What can art offer us in such difficult times? This course assumes no prior knowledge of philosophy, its content, or methods. Instead, it assumes that participants will approach these questions with tact, empathy, and understanding, yet in a way that recognises that they are difficult and demanding questions.
Syllabus
1- AI: Can it think? Can it suffer?
2- The Next Pandemic
3- Can we save the planet? Should we?
4- War and Conflict
5- Freedom, (In-)Justice, and Equality
6- Can only art save us?
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Dr Harry Drummond
Harry completed his PhD at the University of Liverpool, and his research attempts to answer long-standing questions in the philosophy of art by way of contemporary research in philosophy of mind relating to how the body and other people, not just the brain, shape cognition. He has also published in peer-reviewed and public philosophy venues, presented his research across Europe from Kent to Catania, taught undergraduate students and previous Continuing Education courses, and has engaged in editorial work with academic journals.
Courses fees: Full fee £95/Concession £50.
Back to: Continuing Education