Online Philosophy Course
Course Overview
Discover the timeless wisdom of Epicurean philosophy in this immersive, online course. Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore practical approaches to achieving happiness, clarity, and balance in a chaotic modern world. Rooted in ancient teachings, this course offers actionable insights for cultivating a purposeful, joyful, and harmonious life.
Course Audience
This introductory-level philosophy course is designed for anyone with a curious mind, regardless of prior experience, and is tailored to a general audience.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand the foundational principles of Epicureanism and their relevance today.
- Apply Epicurean strategies to enhance personal and professional well-being.
- Develop the skills to find balance, purpose, and lasting happiness.
Course Delivery
This 12-week course is structured into manageable lessons. Each week, you’ll gain access to a 5-10 minute video lecture, accompanied by a reflection or journaling prompt designed to deepen your understanding through personal exploration.
Course Description
Lessons
Lesson 1 Introduction to Epicurean Philosophy
Lesson 2 The Nature of Happiness
Lesson 3 Developing Clarity of Purpose
Lesson 4 Overcoming Stress Through Simplicity
Lesson 5 Cultivating Meaningful Connections
Lesson 6 Applying Ethical Thinking in Daily Life
Lesson 7 Mastering Work-Life Balance
Lesson 8 Strengthening Critical Thinking Skills
Lesson 9 Resolving Conflict Constructively
Lesson 10 Fostering Emotional Resilience
Lesson 11 Discovering Intellectual Joy
Lesson 12 Living the Epicurean Way
Course Overview and Benefits
This course, “PL 102 Living the Epicurean Way: Finding Purpose in a Chaotic World,” invites students to connect with the teachings of Epicureanism — an ancient philosophy grounded in attaining peace and happiness through simplicity, reason, and cultivating meaningful relationships. Designed for today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming environment, this program translates timeless philosophical perspectives into actionable steps for a fulfilling modern life.
Throughout the course, participants will engage with thought-provoking topics such as happiness, purposeful living, and resilience. It begins with an introduction to the life of Epicurus and the foundational tenets of his philosophy before expanding into its practical applications. You’ll learn how to differentiate necessary needs from unnecessary desires, enabling a more balanced and intentional approach to well-being. The course also tackles managing stress, fostering interpersonal connections, and aligning one’s actions with values and purpose to create a harmonious lifestyle.
Central to this course is the value it places on introspection and personal growth. Through microlearning, video lessons, and reflective exercises, the curriculum encourages you to translate philosophical concepts into tangible practices, such as simplifying daily routines, cultivating emotional resilience, and nurturing intellectual curiosity. Additionally, the course explores critical workplace challenges, such as achieving work-life balance and making ethical decisions, providing robust tools for navigating personal and professional dilemmas.
By the end of these 12 weeks, students will have mastered the art of living the “Epicurean way”—a sustainable framework for finding peace and continued growth amidst life’s unpredictability. This course empowers learners with insights into how to enrich both their inner lives and their connections with the world around them.