This course centers on a series of three novels concerning some of the greatest American thinkers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The first book, The Transparent Eyeball, examines individualism through Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Louisa May Alcott. The second book, The Squirrel Behind the Tree, concerns Pragmatism as envisioned by John Dewey, William James, and C.S. Peirce. The third book, The Original Position, explores the classical liberalism of John Rawls.

Each week the students will read from the novels. During the live class meetings, the instructor will explain the philosophical background for the assigned chapters and conduct a discussion of the content contained within them. The class as a whole will create a class philosophy magazine.

Class Meetings: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dates: June 4 – July 30

Student Expectations: Students will be expected to read the books and submit their answers to weekly discussion questions. They will also be invited to make literary and artistic contributions to a class philosophy magazine.

Student Support: The instructor is available via email.

Feedback/Assessment: The instructor will provide feedback on the students’ answers to the discussion questions.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need to purchase the philosophy novels The Transparent Eyeball, The Squirrel Behind the Tree, and The Original Position, along with the accompanying guidebooks. You can purchase a special package containing all of these books at a discounted price here.