PL-UY 3214 The Phenomenon of Life

4 Credits

This course offers an existential interpretation of biological facts. The problem of inwardness as examined in modern philosophy is addressed from the standpoint of scientific biology. The course approach is not be limited by the anthropocentric tradition of idealist and existentialist philosophy, nor the materialist standards of natural science. The course explores the great contradictions of human experience-freedom and necessity, autonomy and dependence, self and world, creativity and mortality-through the ascending order of organic powers and functions: metabolism, motility, desiring, sensing and perceiving and on to imagination, art and mind.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year writing requirements and One level 2 STS cluster course.
Note: Satisfies a humanities and social sciences elective.