Class 1: Introduction

Welcome to Phil 501: Persons and Conflict. Our goal this semester is to think a bit about how philosophical theories of what it is to be a person can inform our understanding of interpersonal relationships and interpersonal conflict, and to explore some of the broader issues raised by doing so, including looking at other applications for similar theoretical tools. We’ll do so by working through two book manuscripts in progress - both of which are (hopefully) in their penultimate state.

In today’s class we’ll preview where we are going this semester and why, and have ample time for discussion. There is no advance reading for today’s class, but you can find the course syllabus here: