Online Philosophy Course
A Simpler Way to Explore Philosophical Approaches to Life’s Meaning
Do you want to enrich your life by understanding philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life?
Traditional opportunities for learning philosophy are often inaccessible—whether it’s expensive years of college/university studies or lengthy 14-hour online courses that are difficult to complete on your own. These barriers can leave you feeling discouraged and disconnected, denying you the transformative insights philosophy offers for living a more meaningful, authentic, and fulfilling life. Our online microlearning course, “The Meaning of Life,” is designed to make understanding these profound concepts attainable, helping you learn with clarity and efficiency.
Microlearning offers a little-known but highly effective method for mastering philosophy. By employing the proven SMART goal framework, this approach breaks learning into manageable segments, allowing you to steadily build your understanding over time and achieve success as a lifelong learner.
Course Overview
This course is designed to provide you with an accessible and engaging introduction to philosophical discussions about life’s meaning. Through six focused lessons, you’ll explore diverse perspectives, from ancient traditions to modern theories, and reflect on how these ideas resonate with your own experiences. Whether you’re new to philosophy or simply looking for fresh insights, this course is tailored to meet a wide range of interests and goals.
Course Audience
This introductory philosophy course is designed for a general audience, making it accessible to anyone curious about exploring life’s big questions.
Key Learning Objectives
- Understand foundational philosophical approaches to life’s meaning, from ancient to modern perspectives.
- Reflect on how philosophical teachings can apply to personal growth and daily life.
- Develop your own interpretation of life’s meaning through guided exploration and reflection.
Course Delivery
This 6-week course is structured in a manageable, microlearning format. Each week, you’ll gain access to a 5–10 minute video lesson, accompanied by a journaling or personal reflection activity to complete as homework.
Course Description
Lessons
Lesson 1 Philosophy and the Meaning of Life
Lesson 2 Historical Perspectives on the Meaning of Life
Lesson 3 Existentialism and the Absurd
Lesson 4 Science, Evolution, and the Meaning of Life
Lesson 5 Modern Views on Fulfillment and Happiness
Lesson 6 Crafting Your Own Meaning
Course Overview and Benefits
“The Meaning of Life” course offers a thoughtful exploration of one of humanity’s most profound questions. Delivered through an easy-to-follow microlearning structure, this course allows students to engage with philosophical ideas at their own pace. Each lesson is carefully crafted to highlight essential concepts, ensuring that even complex theories are accessible and relatable.
The course begins with an introduction to philosophy and why it matters for understanding our place in the world. It dives into ancient perspectives, such as those from Socrates and Aristotle, before transitioning into broader traditions like Eastern philosophies, including Buddhism and Confucianism. By exposing learners to historical wisdom, the course lays a strong foundation for addressing life’s meaning from diverse vantage points.
From there, the course moves into the thought-provoking realm of existentialism and the absurd, where you’ll grapple with the notion of creating meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Key philosophers such as Sartre and Camus are highlighted, helping you frame personal challenges within a larger existential context.
The lessons also investigate the intersection of science and philosophy, showcasing how evolutionary biology, cosmology, and other scientific disciplines contribute to understanding human purpose. This scientific integration adds depth to the philosophical discourse, bridging empirical knowledge with existential wonder.
Modern perspectives on happiness and fulfillment follow, blending insights from positive psychology with practical reflections on relationships, hobbies, and self-expression to help you identify sources of meaning in your daily life. Finally, the course concludes by guiding you toward crafting your unique interpretation of life’s meaning. It emphasizes how philosophy can be a dynamic tool for adapting to life’s challenges and maintaining a sense of purpose over time.
By the end of the course, students will not only have a deeper understanding of diverse philosophical perspectives but also practical skills for applying these insights to their own lives. The journaling prompts and reflection activities are designed to ensure that each lesson connects personally, encouraging growth, self-awareness, and a more intentional approach to life. Whether you’re seeking clarity, inspiration, or simply a way to engage with the world on a deeper level, this course offers something truly meaningful.