Jaewon Choe Philosophy Of The Self Summer Course

Jaewon Choi's Philosophy of the Self Summer Course: A Deep Dive

Jaewon Choi's Philosophy of the Self summer course offers a unique and engaging exploration into the complexities of selfhood. While a specific syllabus isn't publicly available, drawing on common themes in philosophy of self and Choi's potential areas of expertise (assuming a focus on contemporary philosophy and potentially East Asian philosophical traditions), we can construct a comprehensive overview of what such a course might entail. This article will delve into potential topics, readings, and exercises that might be incorporated, providing a robust understanding of the likely content and learning experience.

Exploring the Core Concepts: What is the Self?

The course would likely begin by tackling the fundamental question: What is the self? This isn't a simple question, and Choi might introduce diverse perspectives from various philosophical traditions.

Western Philosophical Perspectives:

Substance Dualism (Descartes): The classic Cartesian view of the self as a non-physical mind distinct from the body would be examined. Students would analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this position, including its difficulties in explaining mind-body interaction. Critical readings of Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy would be central.
Materialism/Physicalism: This perspective asserts that the self is entirely physical, a product of brain processes. The course might explore different versions of materialism, including eliminative materialism and reductive materialism, alongside critiques from philosophers like John Searle. Readings might include excerpts from contemporary philosophers working in this area.
Bundle Theory (Hume): This theory rejects the notion of a unified self, proposing instead that the self is a bundle of perceptions, constantly changing and without a fixed essence. Students would engage with Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature to grapple with the implications of this perspective.
Personal Identity: This complex area explores what constitutes the same person over time. The course would likely tackle the challenges of memory, bodily continuity, and psychological continuity in establishing personal identity. Readings from Derek Parfit's Reasons and Persons would be crucial here.

Eastern Philosophical Perspectives:

A significant aspect of a contemporary philosophy course might integrate Eastern philosophical perspectives on the self, drawing on Choi's potential expertise.

Buddhist Perspectives on Anatta (No-Self): This would examine the Buddhist concept of anatta, the rejection of a permanent, independent self. The emphasis on impermanence and the interconnectedness of all things would be explored through primary Buddhist texts and secondary scholarly interpretations.
Confucianism and the Relational Self: This section could explore how Confucianism understands the self as deeply embedded in social relationships and roles. The focus on social harmony and ethical responsibility would be examined within the context of self-cultivation.
Daoism and the Natural Self: Daoist perspectives on the self as a part of the natural order, emphasizing spontaneity and alignment with the dao (the way), would be considered. Texts from the Tao Te Ching and other Daoist classics could be used.

Beyond the Theoretical: Engaging with the Self through Practice

A strong summer course would go beyond theoretical discussions and actively engage students in exploring their own understanding of the self.

Self-Reflection Exercises:

Journaling: Regular journaling prompts would encourage students to reflect on their own experiences, beliefs, and values, examining how these shape their sense of self.
Mindfulness Meditation: Guided meditation exercises could help students develop greater self-awareness and cultivate a more present understanding of their inner lives.
Dialogic Exercises: Structured discussions and debates within small groups would facilitate critical engagement with different perspectives on the self and encourage students to articulate their own positions.

Case Studies and Applied Ethics:

The course could incorporate case studies to explore the practical implications of different philosophical approaches to the self.

Bioethics: Discussions around cloning, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence would explore how our understanding of the self impacts ethical decision-making.
Moral Responsibility: Examining the relationship between selfhood and moral responsibility, exploring whether a coherent concept of the self is necessary for holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Mental Health: The course could delve into the implications of different philosophical views on the self for understanding and treating mental illness.

Advanced Topics: Delving Deeper into the Self

A more advanced section of the course could explore nuanced and challenging aspects of the self.

The Extended Mind Hypothesis:

This hypothesis suggests that the boundaries of the mind are not limited to the brain, but extend to include external tools and technologies. Students would grapple with the implications of this view for our understanding of the self and personal identity.

The Embodied Mind:

This approach emphasizes the crucial role of the body in shaping our cognitive processes and experience. The course might investigate the ways in which bodily sensations and interactions with the environment contribute to our sense of self.

The Social Construction of the Self:

This perspective emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural norms in shaping our sense of self. Students would analyze how social structures and power dynamics influence our self-understanding.

Assessment and Learning Outcomes

A comprehensive Philosophy of the Self summer course would have clear learning outcomes, with assessments designed to measure student understanding and critical thinking skills.

Participation: Active engagement in class discussions and group activities would be essential.
Essays: Students would write essays analyzing key philosophical texts and articulating their own perspectives on the self.
Presentations: Presentations on specific philosophical positions or case studies would allow students to demonstrate their understanding and communication skills.
Final Project: A final project, potentially a research paper or a creative project exploring a chosen aspect of the self, would provide an opportunity for in-depth engagement with the course material.

Conclusion: A Transformative Learning Experience

Jaewon Choi's Philosophy of the Self summer course, as envisioned here, offers a rich and challenging exploration of a fundamental human question. By combining theoretical analysis with practical exercises and engaging with diverse philosophical perspectives, the course would aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. The emphasis on self-reflection and critical thinking would make this a transformative learning experience, equipping students with valuable insights into the nature of selfhood and its implications for living a meaningful life. This detailed overview highlights the potential depth and scope of such a course, showcasing the value and relevance of exploring the philosophy of self in a structured academic setting. The course’s focus on both Eastern and Western philosophical perspectives provides a truly holistic and enriching learning experience, catering to a wide range of academic interests and fostering insightful discussions amongst students.