Introduction to Existentialism

Course Headline: 🌟 All the Basics, Main Themes, and Insights from Existentialism! 🌟

Course Instructor: Dr Daniel O'Shea 🧑‍🏫

Course Title: Introduction to Existentialism 📚

Unlock the Depths of Existence with 'Introduction to Existentialism':

Are you ready to embark on a journey through one of the most profound and thought-provoking movements in philosophy and literature? With Introduction to Existentialism, Dr Daniel O'Shea guides you through the core tenets, main themes, and transformative insights of existentialism. This comprehensive course is designed for anyone intrigued by the human condition and seeking to explore the complexities of existence.

Course Overview:

What You'll Learn:

• The Philosophical Foundations: Gain a foundational understanding of what existentialism is, its historical context, and the fundamental questions it addresses about human freedom, choice, meaning, and subjectivity.
• Key Authors & Thinkers: Engage with the seminal works of eight pivotal figures in existentialist thought, including Søren Kierkegaard, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Friedrich Nietzsche, Franz Kafka, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus.
• Main Themes: Explore central themes such as authenticity, absurdity, angst, freedom, responsibility, and the concept of "the other."
• Existentialism Today: Understand how existentialism continues to influence contemporary thought in philosophy, psychology, literature, and beyond.

Course Structure:

1. Introduction to Existentialism: A primer on what existentialism is, its roots, and its significance in both historical and modern contexts.

2. Author-Centered Exploration:

   • Søren Kierkegaard: The father of existential philosophy with his concept of individual existence.
   • Fyodor Dostoyevsky: Insights into the human psyche through literary masterpieces.
   • Friedrich Nietzsche: The idea of the Übermensch and the will to power.
   • Franz Kafka: Exploring alienation and the search for meaning in a surreal world.
   • Martin Heidegger: The exploration of "Being" and "Dasein."
   • Jean-Paul Sartre: The concept of existentialism as a philosophy of liberation and freedom.
   • Simone de Beauvoir: Existentialism and the question of women's liberation.
   • Albert Camus: The absurd and the search for meaning in a meaningless world.

3. Interactive Lectures: Each session includes interactive lectures with slides, accompanied by video of Dr O'Shea to provide a rich learning experience.

4. Discussion & Analysis: Delve into discussions that encourage critical thinking and analysis of existentialist ideas.

5. Concluding Lecture: A reflective session on the enduring legacy of existentialism, its contributions to modern thought, and its relevance today.

Who Is This Course For?

Whether you're a student of philosophy, a literature enthusiast, a mental health professional, or simply someone fascinated by questions about existence, this course is for you. It provides an accessible entry point into existentialist thought for beginners and a deeper understanding for those already familiar with the subject.

Join Us on This Intellectual Adventure:

Embark on a transformative journey through the world of existentialism. With Introduction to Existentialism, you'll gain insights into what it means to be human, explore profound questions, and uncover the essence of individual freedom and personal responsibility. Sign up today and let Dr Daniel O'Shea guide you through one of the most significant movements in intellectual history! 🎓✨