Course summary

Some of the most profound ideas in history are found in the short essay form. Essays can cut to the essence of an issue and make it more accessible to the reader. Philosophers may use the essay to summarise their ideas or comment on a contemporary social or political issue. They may be serious, as in "The Idea of Perfection" by Iris Murdoch (1964); or use scathing satire as in "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift (1729); or be wise and whimsical as in "What the Tortoise Said to Achilles" by Lewis Carroll (1895).

During this ten-week course, we will explore philosophical essays from the Enlightenment to the present.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce you to some excellent philosophical essays to ponder and enjoy. The class encourages lively discussions on important philosophical issues relevant to ethics, politics and the personal life. In these works, you will find humour, humanity, wit and arguments for the betterment of humanity. They are rewarding to read and nourish the mind and soul.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• identify key concepts in the development of the essay style of philosophy
• discuss extracts from the history of the essay to the present
• relate the essay ideas to your personal life and contemporary issues
• further your interest in the philosophical essay, which embrace the short form essay as their mode of presentation.

Content

The Eighteenth Century

"A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift (1729)

Perhaps the most famous work of satire in English literature, Swift uses extreme irony to suggest that impoverished Irish families should sell their children as food to the wealthy. It is a shocking critique of British policies that exploited the Irish people. 

"What is Enlightenment?" by Immanuel Kant (1784)

In this essay, Kant defines enlightenment as humanity's release from its "self-incurred tutelage" (the inability to use one's own understanding without guidance). He gives the famous command: "Dare to know!". 

The Nineteenth Century

"On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense" by Friedrich Nietzsche (1873)

In this essay, Nietzsche argues that human knowledge is essentially metaphorical, and that "truths" are merely illusions that we have forgotten are illusions, a "mobile army of metaphors” used to navigate the world. 

“The Modern Hep! Hep! Hep!” by George Eliot (1879)

Before she became a famous novelist, George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) was a formidable critic and essayist for the Westminster Review. Her essays often laid the intellectual groundwork for her later novels, exploring themes of realism, morality, and social duty. Published in her final book, Impressions of Theophrastus Such (1879), this essay offers a profound exploration of antisemitism, national identity and the importance of preserving historical and cultural roots. 

"What the Tortoise Said to Achilles" by Lewis Carroll (1895)

Wisdom need not be ponderous. This humorous yet profound dialogue illustrates a key concept in philosophy, often called "Carroll's Paradox". It shows that logic alone cannot force us to accept a conclusion unless we first accept the rules of inference.  

The Twentieth Century

"Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell (1946)

Widely considered one of the most important essays of the twentieth century, Orwell argues that the deterioration of language (through vague, cliché-ridden, or pretentious words) encourages sloppy, dishonest political thinking. He advocates for clarity, precision and honesty in writing. 

"The Idea of Perfection" by Iris Murdoch (1964)

This essay is one of the most important contributions to twentieth-century moral philosophy. Murdoch challenges the idea that moral choices are purely voluntary actions, arguing instead that they are rooted in how we perceive the world. 

"The Responsibility of Intellectuals" by Noam Chomsky (1967)

Published during the Vietnam War, this essay argues that intellectuals have a moral responsibility to tell the truth and expose lies. Chomsky argues that they often fail to challenge state power in order to remain close to it. 

"Reflections on My Eightieth Birthday" (also published as "Postscript") by Bertrand Russell (1969)

Written at the end of his life, this short and moving essay summarises his philosophy of life. Russell outlines the three passions that shaped his life: "the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of humankind". 

The Twenty-First Century

“Games: Agency as Art” by C. Thi Nguyen (2020)

This widely discussed essay brings together the philosophy of technology and aesthetics. Nguyen explores how games function as an art form, designed to work with an aesthetic agency that creates desires, values and temporary frameworks of meaning.

In addition, the course will examine a selection of short contemporary essays, both about and by artificial intelligence.

Who this course is for

Anyone with a general interest in philosophy and the course themes.

Prerequisites

None

Delivery style

Lecture/discussion

Delivery mode

Online via the platform Zoom.

Materials

Course notes for each session are shared electronically. Notes will include various extracts from the essays.