{Writeup: bit.ly/AZomml} In this lecture series, we delve into one of the greatest mysteries of modern existence: the loss of meaning in our lives. How did a seemingly obscure philosophy, logical positivism, lead to the marginalization of questions about the meaning of life? Once central to human inquiry, these questions now seem trivialized or irrelevant.
Drawing on Julie Reuben's insightful book, The Making of the Modern University: Intellectual Transformation and the Marginalization of Morality, we explore how early 20th-century developments reshaped our understanding of knowledge, elevating scientific facts while dismissing moral and existential questions as mere noise.
Join us as we unravel the impact of logical positivism and its aftermath on education and society. We address crucial questions such as:
How can we best spend our lives and make the most of our potential?
Why did logical positivism become so influential despite its flaws?
How did the academic world respond to its collapse, and why hasn't a more holistic approach to knowledge emerged?
What new paths can we explore in our quest for understanding the meaning of life?
What other factors might have contributed to the shift away from existential inquiries?
This introductory exploration sets the stage for a deeper investigation into these vital issues. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions in upcoming lectures.
Keywords: Knowledge, Meaning of Life, Logical Positivism, Julie Reuben, Philosophy, Education, Modern Thought, Existential Questions, Academic Transformation
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