We interviewed the man behind Glasgow’s Homer and Game of Thrones philosophy courses
We really wanted to know why
Anna Holloway
What made you to start this course?
“The course runs at the Centre for Open Studies at Glasgow University, and so is aimed primarily at the general public, who we are always trying to engage more with.
“It was among several different course ideas we have tried to attract larger class numbers, and has always been a relatively popular course (it’s been running for four years). Since the recent media interest, however, the interest has been exceptional, and the course has been trending on social media. We’ve put on several extra classes as a result.”
What are the specific areas the course will cover?
“The students can expect to be introduced to a variety of areas of philosophy: moral and political philosophy, metaphysics and free will, and the meaning of life.
“Each topic is introduced by being linked to the Simpsons in some way or other. For example, we look at a classic account of what it is to be a virtuous person, given by Aristotle, and use Homer Simpson as a case study – asking: is Homer Simpson a virtuous person?”
Definitely virtuous
“Yes.”
“I hope to spur more interest in philosophy among those who take the course.”
“Homer. He’s the funniest.”
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