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Adult and Continuing Education

ACE2234 The Philosophy of Interdependence is a Course

ACE2234 The Philosophy of Interdependence

Ended Nov 17, 2021

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Full course description

Course Overview

This course will explore some examples of interdependent thought in indigenous and Celtic peoples, Zen Buddhism, Hinduism and the writings of Irish philosopher John Moriarty. Classes will be largely discussion based and involve applying newly learned ideas to real world examples. Upon completion participants will have acquired both a grounded appreciation of interdependence and the ability to argue for this view within their respective areas of interest and concern. 

        The Philosophy of Interdependence will be of particular interest to those who are curious about the relationship between philosophy, ecology and spiritual traditions. Philosophy aims to question our deeply held assumptions about the world, ecology aims to understand the interconnectedness of living systems, and spiritual traditions aim to situate people as part of a greater whole outside their own personal and social bubble. These three aspects of the course are woven together to demonstrate how we might achieve insight wisdom which transcends our often divisive and conflicted experience of the world. The principle of interdependence challenges many of our widely held beliefs about our everyday behaviours, consumption patterns, and the place of humans within the ecosystem. The learnings of this course should leave students with renewed personal insight, as well as intellectually stimulating outlooks.

 

Course Schedule 

Classes will be delivered online on Wednesdays 7-9pm for eight weeks from 29 September to 17 November.

  • Origins of Separation (Genesis, Plato, Rationalism, Reductionism)
  •  Consequences of Separation
  • (Disconnection from nature and animistic/naturalistic vision. Commodification and destruction of nature and the ‘us v. them’ paradigm)
  • Interdependence in Indigenous Thought (Aboriginal myth, Lakota tribe, Celtic wisdom)
  • Reality as Illusion (Hindu parables, Zen Buddhist insight wisdom)
  • Interconnection with Nature (John Moriarty : “The will to independent, separate existence is what ails us.”)
  • Applying the Principles of Interdependence (Ecology/Environmentalism. Societal and international conflicts)

Course Lecturer

Kevin J. Power  received a PhD in Philosophy from University College Cork in 2015, and have lectured in philosophy of mind and consciousness studies, applied and environmental ethics, political philosophy, and the philosophy of death and dying. Kevin currently researching the Kerry-born philosopher John Moriarty, and his writings are accessible via www.innerchapter.com

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at course commencement.

Assessment

Short courses are not assessed. Students will receive a UCC Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

Closing Date for Application

Friday 17 September

Contact Details for Further Information

Regina Sexton, Phone: 021-4904700, Email: shortcourses@ucc.ie