Crash Course Philosophy Introduction

Overview

• New set and props (including Nietzsche)
• Exploring a very old discipline: Philosophy
• Tackling big questions:
  • What is consciousness?
  • What is truth?
  • What is goodness?
  • Do we even know anything? And how?

Importance of Philosophy

• Philosophy influences many sciences
• Socratic method impacted the scientific method
• Early universities considered all subjects as part of philosophy
  • Aim was to answer important questions about the world and our place in it

Course Structure and Focus

• Less focus on memorizable facts
• More focus on how you think
• Emphasis on reasoning and logic
  • How do you arrive at your own conclusions?
  • Can you explain your reasoning?

Practical Applications

• Reasoning and logic are part of daily life
• Course aims to improve your reasoning skills
  • Understand strengths and weaknesses of your ideas
  • Useful in various fields (science, economics, history, etc.)
• Goal to make you a better anything (including a better corn dog consumer)

Collaboration

• Produced in association with PBS digital studios