Statement of Intent
Before the first lecture, write a short letter to yourself: why you are studying philosophy, which courses you plan to take, and when, where, and how much you will study.
Writing Prompt
Before you press play on a single lecture, take twenty or thirty minutes to write a letter to yourself. Philosophy rewards people who know why they came. You will come back to this letter when your attention flags, and again when you reach the capstone. Write it by hand or in a document you can find later. It is for you; you don't have to share it with anyone.
- 1.
Why philosophy, and why now?
What question, book, conversation, or experience brought you here? What do you hope will be different about how you think, read, or live when you finish?
- 2.
Which courses will you take?
Name the core courses you know you want. If you already have a full plan (two in ancient or medieval, two modern, two contemporary, and two electives), write it out. If you don't know yet, that's fine: note what draws you and leave the rest open.
- 3.
How much time will you give it each week?
Be realistic. One lecture plus its reading usually takes two to four hours. Choose a number you can keep for a whole season, not one you could keep only in a perfect week.
- 4.
When and where will you study?
Name the days, the time of day, and the place. Will you listen on your commute and read at the kitchen table on Sunday mornings? Study at the library after work? Where will you keep your notes?
Sign and date your letter. Keep it somewhere you will see it, and reread it at the end of each section. If your answers change, write a new one; that is part of the work too.