PHIL 224.001 – Existential Philosophy and the Meaning(lessness) of Life

Instructor: Yifan Li. This course meets MTWRF 1:15 – 2:45 p.m. via remote synchronous (RS) instruction.

In this class, we will explore some central themes in existentialism. Existentialism can be understood as an attempt to confront the human condition in modernity. Topics we will touch upon might include: the finitude of human being, morality and faith, the relation between individual persons and society, freedom and authenticity, suffering and meaning in life, death, etc.

We will approach existentialism by reading and discussing philosophical works by philosophers associated with the existentialist movement: Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Frantz Fanon. Throughout the class, we will also take on and discuss literary and art works (e.g., novels, theater, films) that are relevant to our themes.