Dartmouth College

Question Reality! Science, philosophy, and the search for meaning

Dartmouth College via edX

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11 Courses


Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is an Ivy League university offering a small-town ambiance in Hanover, NH, loaded with top-ranking academics and a plethora of student activities.

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Overview

What is reality? Explore how physics and philosophy have changed our perspective on the nature of the universe, matter, and mind over time.

Syllabus

    - Introduction to the Course -- Overview and objectives -- Importance of interdisciplinary study - Foundations of Reality -- Definitions and perspectives -- Historical context in science and philosophy - Scientific Inquiry into Reality -- The scientific method and its applications -- Key scientific theories impacting our understanding of reality - Philosophical Approaches to Reality -- Major philosophical schools of thought -- Ontology and metaphysics -- Epistemology: How do we know what we know? - The Role of Perception -- Neuroscience and cognition -- The impact of technology on perception - Meaning and Existence -- Existentialism and the quest for meaning -- Comparative analysis of Eastern and Western philosophical approaches - Reality in the Age of AI -- Artificial Intelligence and its impact on reality perception -- Ethical considerations and future implications - Interdisciplinary Case Studies -- Examination of significant real-world examples -- Integration of science, philosophy, and AI in understanding these cases - Final Project: Questioning Reality -- Guidelines for developing a comprehensive interdisciplinary project -- Presentation and peer review sessions - Conclusion -- Summary of key insights -- Reflection on personal growth and understanding of reality

Taught by

Marcelo Gleiser, Adrienne Gauthier, Michael Goudzwaard, Jay Beaudoin, Lora Leligdon and Sawyer Broadley


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