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Back to Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined Life

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined Life by The University of Edinburgh

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808 ratings

About the Course

According to legend, inscribed on walls of the temple on the sacred site of Delphi in Ancient Greece were two premier injunctions: NOTHING IN EXCESS, and KNOW THYSELF. This course will be an examination of the latter injunction in an effort to discover what self-knowledge is, why it might be valuable, and what, if any, limitations it might face. What is missing from a person lacking in self-knowledge that makes her less wise, virtuous, or competent in certain areas than others who have this capacity, and what if anything might she do to fill that gap? Historical sources as well as recent research in philosophy, experimental social psychology, and neuroscience will inform our investigation, in the course of which we will become students of our own dreams, and cultivate some meditative practices. Learning Outcomes: Learners will gain familiarity with prominent themes from Western, classical Chinese, and Buddhist approaches to our knowledge of ourselves. In the course of doing so, they will gain an appreciation of the relation of self-knowledge to wisdom, of the value of intellectual humility, as well as of methods of learning about oneself that do not depend on introspection. Learners will also become familiar with contemporary research in experimental social psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience into the emotions, the unconscious, the role of affect in decision making, and self-deception. They will also gain an appreciation of a challenge to the assumption of a coherent, unified self that derives from the Buddhist tradition. --- This course was created by a partnership between The University of Edinburgh and Humility & Conviction and Public Life Project, an engaged research project based at the University of Connecticut and funded by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Learners can apply for Financial Aid directly with Coursera to assist with the cost of accessing the full course and gaining a certificate for successfully completing the course....

Top reviews

NW

May 16, 2020

This was incredibly fun and relatively easy to follow. The additional readings were also helpful in painting a better picture of the topics. Very recommended!

TD

Sep 1, 2023

A very interesting course. There are a lot of opportunities for self-reflection. I’ve always enjoyed philosophy, and this course seemed to hit the high notes. Thank you!

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101 - 125 of 223 Reviews for Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined Life

By Anna

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Sep 14, 2021

The teacher was well spoken, obviously passionate and knowledgeable. Great course, thank you.

By Christopher L

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Aug 26, 2018

Great introduction to basic, Philosophical concepts and thinkers largely by way of Descartes.

By Eldrick J F O

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Oct 12, 2018

Phenomenal! It allowed me to peer closer to views which I now considered to be misconstrued.

By Hazel I

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Jun 19, 2020

Loved this course. Well structured, knowledgeable professors. Inspiring content. Thank you.

By Erica D

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Jul 9, 2020

This course was really Interesting and gave a lot great perspective. Definitely recommend!

By Ajaya G

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Jun 4, 2020

The video presentations are excellent. Concepts are very well explained. Learnted a lot.

By Amy S

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Apr 26, 2020

An absolutely wonderful course, easy to follow with thoughtful prompts and assignments.

By Robert M

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Dec 2, 2022

The inner self, the mind, unconsciousness, consciousness, subconscious, preconscious.

By Kim S

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Oct 8, 2021

This was really excellent. Dr. Green really made abstract principles very accessible.

By nadia a

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Aug 3, 2020

For me, it was an essential course to widen my knowledge in myself and in philosophy.

By Ruth M

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Mar 17, 2024

Excellent course. I learned a lot. Thank you, Professor Mitchell Green and Coursera.

By Belinda G

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Sep 27, 2020

Excelente experiencia, sobre todo porque está en otro idioma y es un reto de verdad

By Rosylu C

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Mar 30, 2020

I understand more about myself, and how deep we can go to understand ourselves.

By Rick S

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Jul 21, 2019

A course that has impacted the way I live and think. Would recommend to anyone.

By Anna M

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Mar 27, 2021

It was really very interesting and deep.

It will help me in my working process.

By Sawsan W

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Feb 18, 2021

Well organized course, easy to follow lecturers, excellent reading resources.

By Jessica I S

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Aug 17, 2020

A wonderful introductory course into the idea of the self. Highly engaging.

By Ranjana S

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Nov 9, 2019

The course is well paced and covers very interesting and insightful topics

By Michael C

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Aug 3, 2022

An excellent course. I enjoyed it and the teacher was clear and gentle.

By Shyenne B

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Apr 17, 2020

Very educational and I love how engaged you can be with the course!

By Sean M

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Jul 7, 2025

It is a thought provoking course that answers questions that arise

By Amira L F

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Nov 21, 2024

Excelente curso para comenzar la aventura de conocerse a sí mismo

By NIEL I J T

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Oct 17, 2024

Lovely, exciting, and had the uttermost captivating lessons ever!

By Emma T

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Apr 25, 2020

I really enjoyed this course - I found it very thought-provoking.

By Ritesh K

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Mar 12, 2019

Wonderful course..! though yet to know more to know Thyself..!!!!