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Open U of the IIHU: Discovery Series - Introduction to Consciousness: A Series of Courses in Postmodern philosophy regarding the essence of being
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The Secrets of the Heart
A Four-Tuesday Evening Class for
Awakening Inner Wisdom
Sept. 23 – Oct. 14, 6:30-8:30 pm; Cost: $100
Deep within, at the interface of heart and soul, there is a world of virtue waiting to be explored. Join us to consider the deeper meanings of Love, Truth, Balance, Discernment, Equanimity, and more. Each of these virtues invites us to question: ♥ Is my journey creative? ♥ Does my life hold deep meaning?
♥ Does courage guide my choices? ♥ Can I discern what is or isn’t conducive to my growth? ♥ Do I follow my deepest longings or does my mind control my life?
♥ Can I recognize the still, small voice within? A variety of exercises and awareness practices will be used to assist the journey of the mind as it opens to the wisdom of the heart. Beginning with common understandings of virtue, we will venture into the depths of living from the heart in order to enjoy a rich and meaningful life. Linda Edge, Class Instructor
Ethical Challenges A curriculum for OpenU – 2008/2009 Session 1: Ethics, Absolute Truths, Science, and Faith Ideas about ethics and values in a historical and cultural perspective will be discussed. Specifically: Do ethics and values change? Where do our values come from? Plato argued the idea about absolute truth that lasted for 2,200 years – until Nietzsche objected to it. On the way, John Locke and David Hume formulated the concept about the Blank Slate, one of the most commonly accepted ideas about how Man perceives the world and develops values. We will also explore how we determine what is true? Can the idea about evolution and creation (Intelligent Design) coexist? Does Eastern philosophy offer a “new” and better way to understand truth? Session 2: Transhumanism Some people call transhumanism one of the world’s most dangerous ideas. Based upon the premise that the human species in its current form does not represent the end of our development as a species but rather a comparatively early step on our evolutionary path, transhumanists embrace the idea of Man-Machine hybrids that overcome limitations in our health, strength, intellect, and even life span. It will be argued that a modified human species is much closer to reality than we imagine. This raises issues of serious ethical consequences for this possible future – one that will amaze you as much as it will scare you. We like to think that we are in control of our actions, but new results in neuro-science indicate that that may be wishful thinking. What does that mean for e.g. criminal behavior and society’s response to crime – and for our perception of being guilty? If we, by using biological intervention, can prevent or suppress criminal behavior, should we? Who should make that decisions? If it an be used in crime, why not in other areas? This lecture explores the frontier where science meets ethics. Be prepared to be challenged! Session 4: Consciousness and Quantum Physics When applying quantum physics to everyday situations in a completely new way, it offers a provocative understanding of the universe and ourselves. At the same time, phenomena we normally consider impossible or inconceivable, suddenly look startlingly possible and conceivable. You perception of time will be warped and you will be sent to the edge of the universe without leaving your chair . . . well, actually, you will be at the edge of the universe! This promises to be a mind-opening and out-of-this world presentation. A min. of 8 students are required for classes to be conducted! Two sessions may be combined to achieve this! A credit for that will be issued.
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