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! 🎓✨

---

---

Course Review for Existentialism: Key Thinkers & Themes

Overall Rating: 4.15/5

Course Content and Structure

Pros

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The course offered a thorough exploration of existentialism, covering key philosophers and their contributions.
• Engaging Material: Participants found the readings recommended in the course to be insightful and enriching, sparking excitement for deeper study.
• Real-World Connection: The course content was not only theoretical but also related to real-life situations and literature, making it more relatable and enjoyable for students.
• Foundation for Further Studies: For those entering a masters program in philosophy, the course provided an excellent foundation, enhancing their understanding and preparation for advanced studies.
• Well-Designed and Motivating: The course was designed with intention to be both informative and motivating, opening up new areas of study like philosophical anthropology.

Cons

• Information Overload: Some students found the initial influx of information overwhelming, particularly in an introductory course.
• Clarification on Existentialism Needed: A few students felt that while the course covered contributors to existentialism, it didn't sufficiently explain what existentialism is philosophically or its real-life implications.

Student Experience and Relevance

Pros

• Broad Range of Interests Accommodated: The course was appreciated by both novices and those familiar with philosophy, indicating its relevance for a wide audience.
• Timely and Helpful: The course came at the right time for students looking to fill gaps in their knowledge of existentialism.
• Inspirational: The course inspired some students to pursue further studies or explore related areas in literature and philosophy.

Cons

• Data Dump Approach: Some found the course's approach to be too much information at once, which could have been more digestible.
• Balance Between Theory and Practice: A desire for a better balance between learning about existentialism's contributors and understanding its core principles was expressed by some students.

Personal Growth and Application

Pros

• Enhanced Understanding: The course provided clarity and depth to students' understanding of existentialism.
• Motivation for Self-Discovery: Students were motivated to explore the concept of absurdity and how it relates to their own lives, finding personal resonance with the material.
• Philosophical Insight: The course offered insights into philosophical anthropology, which some found particularly enlightening.

Cons

• Desire for More Focused Content: A few students indicated a preference for fewer contributors and more in-depth discussion of what existentialism entails.

Final Thoughts

This course has consistently received a high rating from students, indicating its effectiveness and appeal. The comprehensive coverage of existential thought and its key figures is a significant strength, offering both depth and breadth to students. However, some students suggest that the course could benefit from a more nuanced approach to information delivery and a clearer focus on the fundamental aspects of existentialism itself. Nonetheless, the course has proven to be an engaging and valuable resource for anyone interested in delving into the world of existential philosophy or seeking a foundation for further study.

---

Dr. Daniel's Existentialism: Key Thinkers & Themes is a well-rounded and stimulating course that offers students a solid grounding in existential thought. While there is room for improvement in terms of content delivery and emphasis on core principles, the course's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it an excellent choice for those interested in philosophy or looking to expand their understanding of human existence and consciousness.