D9. What is Important in Life (10 week course C9 and D9) (Schmitt)

 *A 10 week course following C9 (register for both C9 and D9)

The question of what is important in life has many answers.  In the first nine of the weeks we will consider a number of these questions.  Then, in the final week we will consider what is important in old age.  Topics will include: sacrificing one’s life, love, being good and being rich, competition and cooperation, spectator or activist, disagreement over values, comfort versus being in harmony with nature, and autonomy.

GROUP LEADER: Born in Germany, Richard Schmitt was forced to leave because he was Jewish.  He emigrated to the US and earned degrees in Chicago and at Yale.  He spent a great many years teaching at Brown University and Worcester State College.  He has taught WISE classes for more than 20 years.

REQUIRED READING:  Harry Frankfurt, “The Important of What We Care About.”  Group Leader will send the article to everyone before the beginning of the class.