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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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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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126 - 150 of 223 Reviews for Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined Life

By Abigail S

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Oct 24, 2020

had fun! more or less easy to follow, just challenging enough !

By Ni W C

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May 24, 2020

this lesson teach me a lot especially reflection about myself.

By Franco E T C

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Nov 4, 2024

Taking this course has been a very enlightening experience.

By Deleted A

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Jun 25, 2020

able to process information and reflect on life experiences

By Kevin V

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Jul 29, 2020

Excellent course; thought-provoking. Also entertaining.

By karl h

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Jul 20, 2023

Prof Green is great, info and references were all great

By Francos G S A

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Jan 23, 2021

nice course... very effective way of doing the quizzes.

By Karen P

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Jun 3, 2019

Very interesting course. Engaging and well structured.

By Scott R

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Apr 2, 2025

I loved it, set at a good pace with engaging content.

By Davis T

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May 8, 2020

Amazing course, cannot wait to start the second part!

By Michael E

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Jul 8, 2024

Thought provoking, nicely paced and great resources.

By Asif H

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May 9, 2020

A vey good course to know about oneself, one’s mind.

By Santiago G H

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Nov 20, 2024

Un gran curso; quedé con mucho que reflexionar.

By Konstantina P

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Nov 16, 2022

Very interesting and the professor is excellent

By Mardohar B B S

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Jul 24, 2020

It is as wonderful as ever to take this course.

By queen A

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Apr 29, 2022

Everyone should take this course . Thank you .

By David T

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Aug 31, 2018

Best philosophy course on Coursera, hands down

By Marxinne P

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Mar 5, 2025

This helps so much in understanding oneself.

By Luciana A

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Aug 8, 2020

It made me question and want ot know more !

By Gifty A

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Aug 19, 2021

Interesting course, it is worth learning.

By Laura F

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May 29, 2020

Very interesting and fun to watch/listen!

By Susan B G

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Feb 7, 2022

This is a good course which I enjoyed

By Dave N

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Apr 11, 2020

Concise, clear and thought provoking.

By Ivair J

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Mar 2, 2023

Excelente curso, recomendo, nota 10!

By Jona B

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May 16, 2020

a journey within worth participating