How one philosopher defends our common sense notions about perception and reality.
Join Forest for another deftly-handled philosophical discussion about the perception of reality. Be prepared to expand your thinking on the subject!
The writer of George Berkeley’s entry in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy calls him “one of the great philosophers of the early modern period…. a brilliant critic of his predecessors [and] a talented metaphysician.” His Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous, which we’ll read in this course, is beautifully written. Although in some ways Berkeley’s concern is with a technical issue in philosophy, he claims to be arguing for a common sense notion of reality: that the things we perceive – chairs, other people, beaches, etc., etc. – are really there and have the qualities we perceive them to have, except for those that may vary because of differences in our subjectivity.
While any edition of Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous will do, Abe Books has one by MacMillan/Bobbs-Merrill, with an introduction by Colin Turbayne, which I will use. See also Thrift Books, Biblio, and Alibris, ones with Turbayne’s intro.
What to expect: A continued examination of philosophical questions, no prior knowledge required.
Feedback from past courses with Forest:
“Forest Hansen is a gifted teacher. His greatest skill is in showing his students that they are really teaching themselves, and each other.”
“One of those teachers with extraordinary intellect and knowledge who graciously includes students of all levels while not sacrificing the contribution of the more advanced. Just wonderful.”
“Another fine Forest Hansen course. Forest knows how to stimulate discussion with thought-provoking questions. Though always respectful of students’ views, he doesn’t hesitate to push us to explain, clarify, and defend our positions.”
3 sessions | Wednesday | Jan 22, 29, Feb 5 | 10:30 – noon | ZOOM | $60
