Philosophy Department

Journey to Selfhood (Pheu 3411-L01)

Robert O'Brien

ThisAn investigation of the process and stages on the way to becoming fully a person, from factual individuality to inner selfhood, from being a human being to being fully human. Following more or less Kierkegaard's "stages on life's way," we shall explore
(1) what it means to be embodied in the world and the "aesthetic" life;
(2) living rationally as an ethical subject in relation to other persons, being "with" and "for" others;
(3) life in the transcendent dimension which requires Tillich's "courage to be."
We shall also deal with the Existential psychology of "anxiety" and "despair."

Requirements: One in-depth critical review of one book dealing with the philosophy of the person; and one major paper on your reflections, in light of course readings and discussions, on your process/progress in becoming fully a person. A two-page outline of the course is available from Dr. Robert O'Brien.
 

Paul Tillich