1. Introduction
Vincent J. Scully Professor of Philosophy
This inaugural lecture introduces the interdisciplinary scope of Yale's PHIL 181, integrating philosophical inquiry with insights from psychology and behavioral economics. It previews core themes through classic thought experiments such as Plato's Ring of Gyges and the Trolley Problem, and examines the concept of procrastination.
Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature (PHIL 181)
Professor Gendler explains the interdisciplinary nature of the course: work from philosophy, psychology, behavioral economics, and literature will be brought to bear on the topic of human nature. The three main topics of the course are introduced--happiness and flourishing, morality, and political philosophy--and examples of some of the course's future topics are discussed.
Seminar notes & discussion
No public seminar notes on this lecture yet.