THEORIES OF THE SELF

Catalog description

Humans begin to recognize persisting objects at 18 - 24 months old but don't develop a substantial conception of self until 3 - 4 years old, and that conception then evolves throughout the rest of our lives. Drawing insights from multiple disciplines-- philosophy, psychology, literature, Zen, etc.-- this course provides students with tools to conceptualize who they are in the midst of their desires, emotions, reasoning, social interactions, and work. Students will also confront the question of whether, and to what extent, it is meaningful to conceive of their life as a narrative. (HA, HA-H) PREREQ: SOPHOMORE STANDING