Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined Life

According to mythology, two of the most important injunctions carved on the walls of the temple on the sacred site of Delphi in Ancient Greece were NOTHING IN EXCESS and KNOW THYSELF. This course will look at the latter injunction in order to figure out what self-knowledge is, why it is beneficial, and what, if any, restrictions it may have. What is lacking in a person who lacks self-awareness that makes her less intelligent, virtuous, or competent in some areas than others who do, and what, if anything, can she do to fill that gap? The examination will be informed by historical sources as well as modern research in philosophy, experimental social psychology, and neuroscience, during which you will become students of your own dreams and establish certain meditation techniques.

Learning Objectives: Learners will become familiar with key topics from Western, ancient Chinese, and Buddhist perspectives on self-knowledge. They will obtain an understanding of the relationship between self-knowledge and wisdom, the importance of intellectual humility, and non-introspective techniques of learning about oneself as a result of their efforts.

Learners will also get familiar with current research on the emotions, the unconscious, the role of affect in decision making, and self-deception in experimental social psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience. They will also get an understanding of a challenge to the Buddhist tradition's concept of a cohesive, unified self.

This course offers:

• Flexible deadlines: Reset deadlines in accordance with your schedule.
• Shareable Certificate: Earn a Certificate upon completion
• 100% online: Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
• Beginner Level
• Approx. 19 hours to complete
• Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Hebrew, Spanish

Course ratings: 4.6/5

Enroll here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/know-thyself-the-examined-life