The Ethics of Authenticity
What does personal authenticity really mean? How can we develop it without disconnecting from the world?
Where: Palio, 1996 SE Ladd Ave., Portland, OR
(Note: If our group grows beyond our table at Palio, we may alter the venue)
When: Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017
What Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)
Workshop Description: We commonly hear the critique that modern culture is in decline. Themes of our demise include:
Charles Taylor, in The Ethics of Authenticity, takes on these three developments in modernity and articulates their dangers, but warns against an attitude of total impending doom. He argues that we must understand the struggle for important moral ideals that lie at their root -- especially the moral ideal of authenticity -- so that we can better identify where the problems are, which aspects of modernity are worth saving, and how to lift those aspects up from their degenerate forms into a more promising future.
Taylor’s inspiring approach is one of a bridge-builder who reveals the underlying values of both the “boosters” and the “knockers” of modern culture. In doing this, he facilitates an understanding of common ground between different camps and reduces entrenched opposition.
About Philosophy Workshops:
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application. Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
Calendar:
Saturday, February 4 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 1-30
Saturday, February 11 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 31-69
Saturday, February 18 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 71-91
Saturday, February 25 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 93-121
Preparation: Participants can purchase used copies of Charles Taylor's The Ethics of Authenticity on Amazon for around $25. There is also a pdf posted online here. (I find it much nicer to have a hard copy in hand for our discussions). For each meeting participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance and come with some marked passages they'd like to talk about.
Cost: $100 (for four afternoon philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!
(Note: If our group grows beyond our table at Palio, we may alter the venue)
When: Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2017
What Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. (Come early to order treats!)
Workshop Description: We commonly hear the critique that modern culture is in decline. Themes of our demise include:
- Hyper-individualism that too often becomes narcissism and a loss of meaning.
- A primacy of instrumental reason that serves goals of efficiency and profit, but forgets critical thinking about which “ends” are worth pursuing.
- A political fragmentation and disengagement that threatens the undoing of democracy and a loss of freedom.
Charles Taylor, in The Ethics of Authenticity, takes on these three developments in modernity and articulates their dangers, but warns against an attitude of total impending doom. He argues that we must understand the struggle for important moral ideals that lie at their root -- especially the moral ideal of authenticity -- so that we can better identify where the problems are, which aspects of modernity are worth saving, and how to lift those aspects up from their degenerate forms into a more promising future.
Taylor’s inspiring approach is one of a bridge-builder who reveals the underlying values of both the “boosters” and the “knockers” of modern culture. In doing this, he facilitates an understanding of common ground between different camps and reduces entrenched opposition.
About Philosophy Workshops:
Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, self-examination, and practical application. Philosophy Workshops are led by a philosophy professor committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
Calendar:
Saturday, February 4 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 1-30
Saturday, February 11 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 31-69
Saturday, February 18 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 71-91
Saturday, February 25 -- The Ethics of Authenticity, p. 93-121
Preparation: Participants can purchase used copies of Charles Taylor's The Ethics of Authenticity on Amazon for around $25. There is also a pdf posted online here. (I find it much nicer to have a hard copy in hand for our discussions). For each meeting participants should read the selection we'll be discussing in advance and come with some marked passages they'd like to talk about.
Cost: $100 (for four afternoon philosophy sessions, not including coffee and treats)
- The workshop has limited space. Register today to save yourself a spot!
- In case of cancellation due to low enrollment, you will receive a full refund through PayPal.
Register by clicking the button below and following instructions to use PayPal. Thanks!