Schmoopy

Good Content, Bad Title

Revisado: 06-30-20

I’m at odds with myself as to how I should rate this course. On the one hand, I am greatly impressed by the high degree of expertise and engagement that Shaun Nichols delivers in this course. That’s not a surprise to anyone familiar with Dr. Nichols work. On the other hand, I am greatly disappointed with the direction of the course. Again, probably not surprising to anyone familiar with Dr. Nichols work. Dr. Nichols is an experimental philosopher, so it is certainly no surprise to see him utilize psychological studies to reinforce free will skepticism. Of course, had this course not been labeled as a debate between free will and determinism, I would have no problem giving this a five star rating. This course was not a debate, but rather a defense of determinism in the face of libertarian objections. After a few lectures to define the traditional views, the course focuses primarily on experimental philosophy and its impact on our intuitions about free will and morality. But can I rate something I tremendously enjoyed and found highly fascinating less than a five? Had the course been entitled “Experimental Philosophy, Free Will & Ethics,” then the answer would be no. With that seemingly small change, I would not have had the slightest degree of disappointment; in all regards, that course would have been perfect. Instead, I will rate it a four, but not because of anything on Dr. Nichols part. The blame for my rating rests entirely with the Teaching Company and it’s failure to appropriately name the course.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Brilliant

Revisado: 06-25-20

Cahoone covers the enormity of complex and conflicting ideas in modern philosophy, all the while ensuring that the listener understands what each philosopher was saying. He always takes the time to define the philosophical and scientific jargon before diving into deep waters. Then, once he have fully dived in, he emerges to unpack the intricacies of the argument. I wish I had him as a philosophy professor in my younger days as an undergraduate.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Juvenile Approach

Revisado: 06-16-20

I was disappointed in this series in that it seemed more akin to a high school history class than a college philosophy course. The instructor was enthusiastic at times, which aided engagement, but downright annoying at other times. His propensity for heavy sighs undermined his stated passion for Augustine. He certainly seemed preoccupied with interjecting sex whenever possible, which felt like multiple times every lecture. His use of repetition focused on the trivial rather than what was significant in Augustine’s thought. The content seemed spot on, just too superficial to be considered college level.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Engaging, Insightful & Leaves You Wanting More

Revisado: 06-03-20

Solomon and Higgins are first rate scholars on Nietzsche, existentialism and nihilism. This course has left me wanting to learn more about Nietzsche and dive into some of his works.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña