From Bondage to Freedom: The Philosophy of Baruch Spinoza
Nov 3 to Dec 1, Thursdays, 8:00 PM
In this course we will take a deep dive into the wild and wonderful world of Spinoza.
Since this is a new course, these are reviews from students who took previous courses with the same professor.
Raffi is an amazing teacher. He is so kind, supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable, and open to completely different perspectives.
His passion for the subject matter and clear communication is unparalleled.
Loved every moment of this course.
The first class I actually gained ‘knowledge’ rather than just information.
He was excellent at taking difficult philosophers like Kant and explaining their arguments in easy to understand ways. Probably one of my top 3 favorite professors I’ve had at Penn.
Raffi inspires.
Raffi is the real deal. He genuinely cares about all his students, and he is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that they're truly learning and enjoying the material.
I could go on and on about how wonderful it's been to have him as a professor!
Raffi was always personable and engaging, and his obvious curiosity and engagement in the material was often contagious.
Raffi is the most inclusive philosophy professor I’ve had, creating a safe & critical space for metaphysical & historical inquiry.
Raffi has thus far been the best instructor I have had in my three years of study at the University of Pennsylvania. He is very knowledgeable in his field and is eager to share his knowledge with each one of his students. Raffi uses his creativity in lesson planning to keep his students engaged, and no two class periods were perfectly alike.
All meetings last 90 minutes. Times are displayed in New York time.
- Thu Nov 3, 8 PM
Is there a God?
Spinoza, Ethics, book 1
- Thu Nov 10, 8 PM
The nature of the mind
Spinoza, Ethics, book 2
- Thu Nov 17, 8 PM
The nature of the emotions
Spinoza, Ethics, book 3
- Thu Nov 24, 8 PM
Our bondage to the emotions
Spinoza, Ethics, book 4
- Thu Dec 1, 8 PM
Triumphing over the emotions
Spinoza, Ethics, book 5