Teaches Philosophy

Cornel West

Cornel West Teaches Philosophy

Cornel West is an acclaimed academic and activist who believes philosophy is about raising questions where there are no clear answers. In this lesson, he establishes the fundamental ideas for the class that will open doors to new ideas and heighten meaning in your everyday life. 

1. Meet Your Instructor

Meet Your Instructor

Cornel walks you through his personal philosophy, explaining how applying critical thinking can help you navigate your everyday interactions and become a deeper thinker. 

2.  How to Think Like a Philosopher

 How to Think Like a Philosopher

To understand humanity, you must first understand yourself. In this lesson, Cornel shares how to embark on a candid journey within and discover a better understanding of self. 

3. What It Means to Be Human

What It Means to Be Human

In this lesson, Cornel explains how compassion is a form of love that is cultivated by ridding yourself of egoism.

4. Cultivating Compassion

Cultivating Compassion

Cornel provides techniques for connecting deeper with the human condition so you can move from being a spectator to a participant in your everyday interactions. 

5. Living a Wise and Courageous Life

Living a Wise and Courageous Life

In this lesson, Cornel explains how philosophy is a counterweight against forms of dogma, and looking at humanity through a philosophical lens allows for members to better understand their own egotistical proclivities, resulting in becoming the best versions of themselves. 

6. How Philosophy Serves Humanity

How Philosophy Serves Humanity

There are various forms of love that each of us is able to give and receive. In this lesson, Cornel explains what they are, how human beings are impacted by them, and the sacrifices required to achieve a love that allows you to become the best versions of yourself. 

7. A Philosophical Take on Love

A Philosophical Take on Love

In this lesson, Cornel unsettles the mind and empowers the soul by illuminating the delicate interplay between hope, optimism, and despair. 

8. Hope and Optimism, Love and Loss

Hope and Optimism, Love and Loss

Cornel shares a personal account of how the supernatural love he received from his mom and dad allowed him to define himself in spite of catastrophic circumstances.

9. The Importance of Receiving Love

The Importance of Receiving Love

In this lesson, Cornel explores how having a jazz-like conception of philosophy allows you to understand how music transfigures suffering, pain, and hurt into an expression that connects to humanity at large.

10. Case Study: John Coltrane and A Love Supreme

Case Study: John Coltrane and A Love Supreme

Cornel expands on how the intersection of music and philosophy fosters relationships in a way that allows us to transcend all the pettiness that gets in the way of building healthy communities.

11. The Impact of Music on Community

The Impact of Music on Community

In this lesson, Cornel explains how human beings can use music to process grief and how doing so can enable us to move forward.

12. The Impact of Music on Humanity

The Impact of Music on Humanity

Cornel discusses the importance of communal practices, customs, and mores in providing us with the resources to understand and shape ourselves as distinct individuals.

13. Fostering the Best of Your Communal Roots

Fostering the Best of Your Communal Roots

Honesty is the key to living a wise and courageous life. In this lesson, Cornel unpacks how to own your sense of self and the key to understanding the difference between individuality within community and isolated individualism.  

14. Honesty, Trust, and Individuality in Community

Honesty, Trust, and Individuality in Community

Learn how to apply philosophy to everyday life as Cornel reminds us that the quest to be the best versions of ourselves is a continuous journey. 

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