Religion and Philosophy   

Humanism has been defined as an ethical and life-affirming philosophy, and a worldview that reason and science are the best ways to understand the world. Humanism is not a religion, yet it offers a rational and practical philosophy of life. This expansive outlook encourages both greater thinking and generous action with a commitment to compassion and justice. Through lectures and discussions, we will consider the value of a humanistic life stance. Notes: All readings will be provided by the instructor. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

Humanism has been defined as an ethical and life-affirming philosophy, and a worldview that reason and science are the best ways to understand the world. Humanism is not a religion, yet it offers a rational and practical philosophy of life. This expansive outlook encourages both greater thinking and generous action with a commitment to compassion and justice. Through lectures and discussions, we will consider the value of a humanistic life stance. Notes: All readings will be provided by the instructor. There are both an in-person and an online option for this course. Participants must choose only one option to attend; please ensure that you are registering for the option you prefer, as we may not be able to accommodate changes.

We will begin by asking why there are religions and surveying indigenous sacred ways. Next we will explore Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. Time permitting, we will conclude with new religious movements. Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online. Recommended textbook: The World's Religions by Huston Smith (1991), ISBN: 978-0061660184.

Images of trees appear throughout the history of philosophy, both in the East and the West, as symbols, metaphors and inspirational triggers. We will trace the philosophical life of the tree from Eastern wisdom literature to ancient and modern Western thought. We will explore how tree images evoke ideas about knowledge, moral awakening, relationality, embodiment and even despair. Prerequisites: Participants must like trees. Note: Readings will be sent via email.