PHI 275 - The Nature of Compassion

Institution:

University of Southern Maine

Subject:

Description:

Whether and how we respond to the suffering of others defines, in many ways, who we are as persons and communities. This course is an investigation into the emotion of compassion and its social role. Drawing upon a wide variety of sources such as Greek tragedy, Buddhist scriptures, classical and contemporary philosophical thought, it will address philosophical defenders of the need to cultivate compassion (Rousseau, Sch?penhauer, and Adam Smith) as well as thinkers suspicious of this notion (Nietzsche, e.g.). The work of contemporary philosophers-Phillip Hallie and Martha Nussbaum-will also receive close attention. Students will have the chance to think through some important philosophical issues, such as the role of the emotions in moral deliberation, the extent to which compassion can be both aided and obstructed by the use of language, and whether there are appropriate limits to compassion. Cr 3.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.usm.maine.edu

Phone Number:

(207) 780-4141

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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