Meets the following requirements: HS   

By using the theme of the understanding of human nature this course explores the central aspects of several major philosophical systems.  A theory of human nature involves a vision of the individual self, its relation to the social community, and its relation to the natural world.  This tripartite theme is traced through a range of philosophies ancient and modern, eastern and western, religious and scientific in order to remind ourselves of the range of human possibilities and to clarify the presumptions of our present image of ourselves.  The results of this investigation are used to approach the problem of formulating a philosophy of human ecology.  Particular readings used change each time the course is given. 

Level:  Intermediate/Advanced.  Class size limited to 20.  Offered occasionally.  *HS*