Dear J,
Ajithan’s upcoming German philosophy classes are a good initiative. Similarly, some advanced classes can be conducted. It is not right to start a philosophy class with Plato and Aristotle at the very beginning. Then it will become like a history lesson and be boring. Philosophy should not be treated as an academic subject. Don’t teach ‘who said what’. Philosophical issues should be addressed.
Plato and Aristotle can be taught as old-school on that issue. Other philosophers can be taught from different viewpoints. That is what makes philosophy an interesting life discussion. It is because philosophy is taught as the ‘history of philosophy’ in our colleges that it is boring. In American schools, philosophy is introduced through the teaching of contemporary philosophical issues.
For example, in the United States, concern about individual rights is increasing. If we discuss how individual rights were developed and to what extent, European philosophy should come into the discourse immediately.
Teaching German philosophy is a great thing. Because many of the foundations of today’s political and sociological thoughts emerged in German philosophy, we cannot understand today’s democracy or politics without knowing some basics like free will, superman, and the purpose of history. Marx was also a German philosopher.
Similarly, British philosophy can be taught. They have an important contribution to ethics.
Srinivas
Dear Srinivas,
There are plans to introduce many more. Depending on how much support there is, you can think further.
Jeyamohan
German Philosophy Classes
August 23,24 and 25 (Friday Saturday and Sunday)
