Philosophy
"The Book: On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are" and the Philosophy of Alan Watts
In 1966 Alan Watts, self proclaimed philosophical entertainer, published what many regard as his master work, "The Book: On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are". In this book, Watts attacks a belief at the foundation of Western culture and technology: the self as a separate ego, separated from and in conflict with the rest of the world. Furthermore, Watts provides an alternative view based on Hindi and Vedantic philosophy.
"The Book" is essentially a synthesis of Watts' work as a philosopher, writer, speaker, and student of Eastern and Western religion; beautifully articulated metaphors, witty aphorisms and mind expanding insights all packed into a concise 146 pages.
Come join me as we discuss "The Book" in detail. The class will be an open forum where we can delve further into the ideas at the center of the human potential movement.
The course will span six weeks, with each week covering one chapter (there are six in all). Food, drinks, intellectual stimulation and merriment are sure to be provided. What more do you need to know?
Of course, the only requirement for the class is that all members obtain a copy of "The Book", which should not be too difficult to find.
Queer Theory, Politics & Activism: The Radical Potential of Queer-World-Making
“Queerness is a longing that propels us onward, beyond romances of the negative and toiling in the present. Queerness is that thing that lets us feel that this world is not enough, that indeed something is missing…Queerness is essentially about the rejection of a here and now and an insistence on potentiality or concrete possibility for another world.”
-Jose Esteban Munoz, from Cruising Utopia: The Then and There of Queer Futurity
This course will examine the ways in which queerness—as an identity, a politics, a theory, and a praxis—can enable a better, more egalitarian society. Although much of the course will focus on queerness as a sexuality, the facilitator and readings also understand queerness as something that transcends sexual desire, and can instead be understood as any non-normative modality that rejects oppression and embraces potentiality. In addition, the class will nuance the difference between mainstream LGBT politics and radical queer politics (with a proclivity for the latter).
The class structure will consist of readings/discussions, film screenings/discussions, participant-led activities/presentations, guest speakers, and field trips (for example, we may attend/critique the Pride March and juxtapose that with a trip to the Twin Cities Trans March). In addition, the class will work on a group activist project that addresses an issue of importance to queer communities. Possible examples might include: a group zine project that informs queer-folk about queer resources in the Twin Cities, organizing a talk for the broader community, organizing a protest outside of a non-queer-friendly establishment, etc.
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The Philosophy of Animal Rights: An Introduction to Animal Ethics Theory
Animal Rights is the philosophy which advocates for the abolition of animal exploitation. What is the moral basis of this philosophy? What do the major philosophers of animal rights say? What are the major points of contention within the debate? Is there any overall consensus on any of these issues?
In this course we will read and discuss a wide variety of academic and popular philosophical literature on animal rights. We will cover issues such as the traditional western views of animals, contemporary academic debates, analysis of key and influential arguments, the concept of speciesism, the relationship between animal rights and feminism, the intersection of animal rights and environmental ethics, and the potential for connections between animal rights and other social justice struggles.
All are welcome. There is outside reading in this class. Feel free to contact the facilitator if you have any questions.
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Investigation into the process of investigation
Investigation into investigation
This class is inspired by the Roman orator Horace's command, Sapere aude!, or, in English, Dare to know!.
The intention of this course is to study the very simple question: How do we find the information that we want? This class will ignore the questions of what information we want, or why. Instead we will focus on methods of investigation and discovery, and the troubles and gad-flies of life that accompany it.
This class, more simply, will be a group led investigation into the process of investigation itself-- a meta-investigation. While I have some ideas on the topic, I most hope to share the written or composed works of others as source material, along with what we find, together, along the way.
We will be reading the works of the late social scientist, Robert K. Merton, whose contributions to the field of phisolophy and sociology of science, and the nature of investigation itself, I believe can inform us. In particular, we will be reading from two of his books: "On The Shoulders Of Giants" ( abbrieviated OTSOG ) and "The Travels and Adventures of Serendipity". This class may also involve reference to Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and also whomever we happen find along the way.
I would also like to involve in this course a study of music, poetry, and fiction, in order to amplify or discredit the ideas found in our investigations of investigation. It is my intention that this portion of the class be the most collaborative; I would hope that participants of the class would share their own favorite music, poetry, and fiction about the processes of investigation.
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The Philosophy of Nothing
Class: The Philosophy of Nothing
Description: Allowing participants to understand that what they are holding onto defines them; so in letting go true emergence is allowed.
Philosophy: Everything comes out of Nothing so you don’t really need anything outside of your self and inherent inclinations which will lead you to anything external that will edify you.
Application: Trusting and knowing that everything comes from within out of Nothing allows an individual personal freedom, understanding, and power from true inherent emergence.
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