Mind and Cosmos | In Person (Ryan Ranch)
Course Description:The nature of consciousness is one of the most baffling and philosophically vital topics in the world today. In "Mind and Cosmos" (2012), Thomas Nagel argued the standard scientific materialist conception of the evolution of mind could not account for the appearance of consciousness, intentionality, meaning, and value in the universe. Nor could the mind-body problem be localized in the brain for it "invades our understanding of the entire cosmos and its history." Without turning to religious or theological answers, Nagel proposes the reintroduction of natural teleology or cosmic purpose. We will devote three weeks to understanding and challenging Nagel's arguments in this short, accessible, and controversial book. We'll also screen short video clips in class on the topic of consciousness and open the table to discussion. |
Tuition: $40.00 Additional Fees: $0.00 |
Day/Time
Wednesdays, Sept. 2, 9, 16 *3:00 – 5:00 p.m.* (3 sessions)
Location
Attend in person at CSUMB Ryan Ranch, 8 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Monterey
Facilitator:
Thomas Zebrowski, Ph.D., was educated at Oxford and the University of Chicago. Since 2020, he has regularly offered seminars on the history of Western philosophy and theology at OLLI. He is also a real estate agent at Sotheby's International Realty in Carmel.