Overview
Research for Self-Care
This exercise will ask that you do some research, reading, and writing with one philosopher from our work together.
Choose one philosopher (see link below) we have studied and read beyond what has been offered in our PDFs.
In the exercise, choose 3 topics that the philosopher focuses on. Spend time reading the text and find examples of how the philosopher discusses the topic(s). Using the reading questions from the syllabus as guides, write how the philosopher understands that topic.
READING QUESTIONS FROM THE SYLLABUS:
What does it say?
What does it mean?
How can I apply it to my life?
Why does it matter?
Some examples might include an essay discussing Marcus Aurelius’ ideas on the importance of focusing on what you can control, his thoughts on serving the human community, or his writing about the nature of time. Find where in Meditations he discusses these things and establishes how his ideas might be helpful in developing your own philosophy as the art of living. The aim of this exercise is to deepen your understanding of a philosopher’s work that has resonated with you this summer on topics of your interest.
USE THIS BOOK:
The Art of Living: http://michaelpetralia.com/the%20art%20of%20living_epictetus.html
Please cite this version in the following way: (Epictetus, "Name of the Section," 1995).