Philosophy deals with two key areas: life's big questions and the role of the individual.

In the Week 1 discussion, we will explore big questions (as this is what people often associate with philosophy). For this week's discussion: 

• Introduce yourself to your peers by sharing something unique about your background. Explain how you expect this course will help you move forward in your current or future career.
• Select one of the topics listed below. You are not answering the question in each topic, rather exploring information to make connections. No one has the answers but the more you engage with these types of questions, the more you will understand the meaning of philosophy.
  • Topics to consider:
    • What is the meaning of life?
    • What is knowledge (and how do we attain it)?
    • What is real?
• Give a brief explanation for why you selected the topic that you did. Possibilities include:
  • Why is this question interesting to you?
  • What personal connections do you make with this topic? Why?