LFU:online

Analysis and critique of complex philosophical arguments, overview over new trends in the debate on the purported evil of death; developing a coherent position of one's own; respect for diverging positions on an existentially important and sensitve issue.

Is death an evil for the one who dies? "Since we exist as ourselves, death is not, and when death exists, we are not. So death affects neither the living nor the dead, since it has nothing to do with the former and the latter are not." (Epicurus)

In dealing with this argument, we will touch on other existential problems: definitions of life and death; personal identity; meaning of life; blessing and curse of immortality; future of humanity; transhumanism; problem of evil etc. Texts will range from ancient authors (Plato, Lucretius) to Schopenhauer, to analytic philosophy.

Joint analysis of philosophical texts; (re)construction and critique of arguments; [according to the number of participants:] groupwork; 'debating society' formats; short presentations (e.g. science slam style).

According to choice.

Schedule, reading list & pdfs will be provided via OLAT (two weeks before the preparatory meeting takes place).

Ranking of Registration: First come, first serve.