Continuing the discussion on Plato, this module presents further arguments from Phaedo supporting the soul's immortality. Key arguments include the nature of forms, which cannot be comprehended by physical entities, suggesting the need for a non-physical soul.
In this introductory module, Professor Kagan outlines the course structure and the philosophical themes to be explored throughout the semester. He emphasizes the importance of understanding death as a central question in philosophy and the various approaches to addressing it.
Professor Kagan discusses the dualist and physicalist perspectives on what defines a person. The dualist view posits the existence of both body and soul, while physicalism asserts that a person is solely their physical body. The implications of each view for our understanding of life and death are examined.
This module presents various arguments that support the existence of the soul. By utilizing "inferences to the best explanation," Professor Kagan discusses how invisible entities might be posited to explain observable phenomena, laying the groundwork for understanding the soul's role in human existence.
Building on the previous discussions, this lecture introduces Plato's Phaedo and its arguments for the soul's existence. The focus is on the necessity of believing in an immaterial soul to support the concept of free will, challenging physicalist perspectives.
Continuing the exploration of arguments for the soul's existence, this module delves deeper into the free will argument. Kagan presents a structured rationale supporting the claim that humans must possess an immaterial soul to have free will, alongside discussions of near-death experiences.
This lecture examines the Cartesian argument and introduces key Platonic metaphysical concepts from Phaedo. The existence of Platonic forms and their relation to the soul is highlighted, arguing that the soul is immortal and indestructible due to its nature.
Continuing the discussion on Plato, this module presents further arguments from Phaedo supporting the soul's immortality. Key arguments include the nature of forms, which cannot be comprehended by physical entities, suggesting the need for a non-physical soul.
This lecture focuses on Plato's "argument from simplicity," which posits that the soul, being simple and without parts, cannot be destroyed. Kagan elaborates on how this argument supports the idea of the soul's indestructibility.
In this module, Kagan elaborates on the arguments for the immortality of the soul, focusing on essential properties. He discusses how the soul's changelessness and simplicity reinforce the belief in its eternal nature, culminating in a challenge to physicalism.
This module examines personal identity, focusing on the soul theory, which claims that the continuity of the same soul is essential for personal identity. Kagan discusses the implications of this theory and its challenges, regardless of the soul's existence.
In this lecture, Kagan discusses alternative views on personal identity: the body theory and the personality theory. The body theory ties identity to the physical body, while the personality theory connects it to an individual's unique psychological attributes.
This module critiques the personality theory by discussing the problem of duplication, where the same personality exists in multiple bodies. Kagan explores the implications of this scenario for understanding personal identity and individuality.
Kagan revises the personality theory, arguing that identity is maintained only when there is no duplication of personality. He proposes a shift in focus towards what matters in survival, questioning how we understand the continuity of identity.
In this module, the nature of death is analyzed. Kagan addresses what it means to die, focusing on physiological and psychological functions that determine the moment of death, and how these definitions impact our understanding of mortality.
Continuing from the previous lecture, this module examines the state of being dead. Kagan discusses the criteria for determining death, including exceptions such as comas, and reflects on the common belief regarding one's own mortality.
In this lecture, Kagan examines the emotional responses to death, particularly the notion that "we all die alone." He explores arguments for and against this claim, considering the impact of death on those left behind.
This module continues the discussion on the badness of death, introducing the deprivation account. Kagan argues that death is bad because it deprives individuals of life's pleasures and experiences, rather than being intrinsically bad.
In this lecture, Kagan questions whether the absence of existence before birth is bad and discusses contemporary philosophers' views on immortality. He raises the issue of whether living forever is desirable and under what conditions it might be enjoyable.
This module delves into the value of life and what makes it worthwhile. Kagan discusses hedonism and challenges it with the experience machine thought experiment, prompting students to consider alternative theories of well-being.
Continuing the discussion on the value of life, Kagan contrasts the neutral container theory, which sees lifeâs value as a function of its contents, with the valuable container theory, which values life itself. Other aspects contributing to the badness of death are also examined.
This module further investigates the bad aspects of death, focusing on its inevitability and unpredictability. Kagan encourages students to reflect on the human condition, contemplating death's ubiquity and the appropriateness of denying our mortality.
As the course nears its conclusion, Kagan discusses how thoughts about death may influence our lives. Focusing on fear as a response to death, he differentiates between fear of dying and fear of what lies beyond death, while also considering other emotional responses.
In this final lecture, Kagan invites students to contemplate how to live knowing that death is certain. He discusses goal setting and decision-making in light of mortality, encouraging reflection on the significance of our actions and achievements.
This first lecture on suicide examines rationality within the context of ending one's own life. Kagan presents scenarios where suicide may be viewed as rational and introduces the ethical dilemmas surrounding this sensitive topic.
Continuing the discussion on suicide, this module presents various cases to evaluate the rationality behind the decision to end one's life amidst uncertainty. Kagan also introduces moral arguments that hinge on theological considerations.
In this concluding module on suicide, Kagan addresses the moral implications of suicide, considering its impact on both the individual and those around them. The module concludes with a summary of the course and its key themes.