Visual Essay: Classic Philosophical View of the Good life
Pick two of the classic philosophies on the good life and compare the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in a visual essay. You should analyze the wisdom and effectiveness of these philosophies as universal advice for everyone. How do you see these philosophies at work in the world today? Who are public persons today who embody these philosophies? Which of these philosophies would you recommend to everyone and why?
Visual essays should be delivered via PowerPoint, VoiceThread link, Prezi link, or Adobe Spark Page link. For ideas and instructions on how to create a visual essay review: https://owlcation.com/academia/How-to-Write-a-Visual-Essay
Philosophies on Life
This set of videos will introduce you to the ideas of Aristotle, Epicurus, the Stoics, Thoreau, Nietzsche, and Sartre. Are you drawn to a particular philosophy? Consider whether any of these philosophies on life connect to yours and if they are good guides on how to live.
- PHILOSOPHY - Aristotle (7:30)
- PHILOSOPHY - Epicurus (5:24)
- PHILOSOPHY - The Stoics (4:53)
- Thoreau & Walden Pond (4:12)
- PHILOSOPHY - Neitzsche (6:56)
- PHILOSOPHY - Sartre (6:37)
Videos:
Ernest Becker and the Fear of Death (8:49)
This video reviews cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker's views on how the fear of death affects human beings and shapes our experience of reality.
Ernest Becker and Heroism (9:24)
This video gives insight on what Ernest Becker called the universal urge to heroism. Becker's views on how individuals strive for heroism and his idea of genuine heroism are also discussed.
The Human Condition (2:42)
This video presents a brief summary of the ideas presented by Ernest Becker in his book "The Denial of Death." The video outlines three main ways humans seek to value their lives.
Character is a Vital Lie (1:54)
This video presents the idea that the self is constructed with interconnected webs of meaning. How can that be a source of creativity and nobility in our lives?
Why Humans Run the World (17:08)
This video explains how fiction and imaginations enables humans to cooperate flexibly in large numbers. Consider what is "real" and "not real" in your life and the power you give those realities.
Reading:
Making Modern Toughness
In another Op-Ed, David Brooks tackles the notion of toughness and suggests rethinking it in a way that removes it from the notion of hardness. As you read the article, consider the connection between the issues raised in the column and leadership.