I invite you all to hit "comment" and reply with your own introductions, and (bearing in mind that this is an open site) your answers to two basic questions: Who are you? Why are you here? (in this course, on this campus, in this state, on this planet...)
Our first class meeting will consist mainly of introductions and a heads-up that this is an unconventional course in ways I hope you'll find delightful, instructive, and rewarding. If you don't like to move, breathe, and converse in the open air, this may not be the course for you. But if you don't especially like the conventional lecture-style academic model in which I talk and you scribble silently in your seats, it may be just what you're looking for.
We'll not go over the syllabus or get bogged down in the nuts and bolts of course mechanics on Day #1, there's plenty of time for those details later. But do peruse the blogsite and syllabus (linked in the right margin) before next class and let me know what's unclear. Meanwhile, read your classmates' intros and post your own.
I'm Dr. Oliver, aka (despite my best efforts to discourage it) "Dr. Phil." I live in Nashville with my wife, two dogs (Angel), a cat (Zeus), and (occasionally) Older Daughter, a recent graduate.Younger Daughter is a college freshman on another campus.
My office is in James Union Building 300. Office hours are Mondays thru Thursdays from 4 to 5 pm, & by appointment. On nice days office hours will probably be outside. I answer emails during office hours, but not on weekends. Surest way to get a quick response: come in or call during office hours.
I've been at MTSU since the early '00s, teaching philosophy courses on diverse subjects including atheism, childhood, happiness, the environment, the future, epistemology, metaphysics, Anglo-American philosophy, the philosophy of science, the nature of time, and bioethics.
My Ph.D. is from Vanderbilt. I'm originally from Missouri, near St. Louis. I was indoctrinated as a Cardinals fan in early childhood, so I understand something about religious zeal. My undergrad degree is from Mizzou, in Columbia MO. (I wish my schools weren't in the SEC-I don't approve of major collegiate sports culture or football brain injuries, as I'm sure to tell you again.)
My philosophical expertise, such as it is, centers on the American philosophical tradition of William James and John Dewey. A former student once asked me to respond to a questionnaire, if you're curious you can learn more about me there.
What you most need to know about me, though, is that I'm a peripatetic and will encourage you all to join me in that philosophical lifestyle as often as possible during discussion time. (If you're not sure what "peripatetic" means, read the syllabus or ask me. Or look it up. The peripatetic life is the happy life, for me.)
I post my thoughts regularly to my blogs Up@dawn and Delight Springs, among others, and to Twitter (@osopher), and am planning to experiment with podcasting as a classroom tool this semester. Follow me if you want to.
But of course, as Brian Cohen said, you don't have to follow anyone. (Extra credit if you get that reference... and real extra credit if you realize that my "extra credit" is usually rhetorical.) However, if a blog or podcast link turns up with the daily quiz (which will always be posted on this site no later than the night before class), you might find it helpful to read or listen.
Enough about me. Who are you? (Where are you from, where have you been, what do you like, who do you want to become,...?) Why are you here? (On Earth, in Tennessee, at MTSU, in philosophy class)? Hit "comments" below and post your introduction, then read your classmates'... and bear in mind that this is an open site. The world can read it. (The world's probably busy with other stuff, of course - Kardashians and cooking shows and other examples of what passes for "reality" these days.)
==
An old podcast: happiness is to be "dissolved"... 9 minute Schopenhauer podcast
Hello everyone, my name is Tanner, but my middle name is Rex so I go by that sometimes too. Or T-Rex, whatever makes you happy.
ReplyDeleteAs of this semester I'm a senior here at MTSU so I will, hopefully, be graduating this year with a degree in Philosophy and 2 minors in Religious Studies and Psychology. I'm taking this course for a couple of reasons: I've taken Dr. Oliver's courses before and really enjoy the format and his teaching, and also because the topic of Happiness seems inherently fascinating to me. Anyways, I'm looking forward to this semester and conversing with many of you.
Cheers!
Happy you're here, Tanner! Thanks for going first. Congrats on seniority!
ReplyDeleteHello, my name is Chelsea Able. I have lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee my entire life. I suppose this contributes to my fascination with travel and with other cultures.
ReplyDeleteI am now a senior pursuing a degree in Philosophy. I started my college career as a Recording Industry. I initially chose this career because I have an interest in music. I began singing at a very young age and also was interested in learning to play different instruments such as guitar, piano, clarinet, and drums. However, I learned within my sophomore year that I did not feel as passionate about my major as I once did. After trying to find a new major, I realized that perhaps I did not know myself as well as I thought I did. I recently discovered that I had an interest in Philosophy. After taking a couple more classes, I realized I truly enjoyed it. I found it interesting to think on a deeper level about ideas that at face value seem simple, but are in truth much more complex. After my bachelor's degree, I have considered going back for either a master's in philosophy, cultural anthropology, or history. I have not quite decided yet, but perhaps as my last year as an undergrad, I will gain a better understanding of myself and therefore a better understanding of what I wish to do with the rest of my time on Earth.
As for why I took this particular class, I find the topic interesting. Perhaps there is also a part of me that enjoys the idea that while tragedies go on in this world, we will be discussing how one pursues happiness. I suppose this thought is comforting to me.
I'm looking forward to this next semester!
hello my name is Tyler Vineyard. I go by my last name to almost everyone. Only my family calls me by my first name. I am from Knoxville, TN but have traveled all over the United States and the world. I have seen 4 different continents.
ReplyDeleteI am set to graduate in December with a degree in human nature studies. If all goes well I will start at Belmont this coming January. There I will seek a degree in metal health counseling. I love to help people. That is what truly makes me the most happy in life. I myself am a former law enforcement officer and a veteran of the United States Military. I have a passion for helping veterans with PTSD and preventing suicide. I chose to pick this course to help learn how to cultivate happiness not only in myself but in others.
Mr. Vineyard
Hello, my name is Nick Lembo! I'm from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. And I moved to Spring Hill, TN in 2006 when my parents got a promotion.
ReplyDeleteI decided to attend MTSU because of the scholarships they offered me and the proximity to my home. And just like T-Rex, I'm a senior too! However, I'm studying Political Science and minoring in Philosophy.
After graduation in May I plan to commission in the Navy as an Intelligence officer or Surface Warfare Officer. I've thought hard and long about this decision, and I cant think of any rationale reason why not to join (I love this country and the opportunity it can provide to everyone, plus I want to travel). Within the first four years of my commission I also plan on applying to the Naval Post-Graduate Studies and obtaining a Masters in Informational Strategy and Political Warfare. Once I'm done serving I'm going to go to Law School.
In its own little way law is a fascinating industry filled with precise rhetoric and tactical reasoning. Just thinking about the Constitution gets me excited. For a few words on paper, it is the most powerful social contract that I believe in.
To sum this all up, I believe I am here to serve others and lift their spirits up. Life is a journey where sometimes we think too much about the future or the past, when in reality we should focus on the moment. This moment.
I also love quotes so I hope this one hits home;
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."
Nick Lembo
I agree with the spirit of that sentiment, which is expressed more pungently in one of MY favorite quotes: “The moral flabbiness born of the exclusive worship of the bitch-goddess SUCCESS. That - with the squalid cash interpretation put on the word 'success' - is our national disease." William James (to H.G. Wells)
DeleteGreetings. My name is Julian Jennison. I am a human organism born into this world by my parents who are also human organisms. I have an interest in various aspects of common everyday human culture such as a likeness to music, the arts in general, extensive travelling (backpacking), hiking, the outdoors/nature, riding my bicycle, and other things as well. I like to think, I absolutely crave genuineness, I strive to be a caring person who's mind is in the right place for such things, and I want what right, fair, and equal for everyone. I'm all about the Love n' Good Vibes. Kind of a hippie, kind of a bohemian, kind of a punk at times...but not really at all at the same time. Labels are weird like that.
ReplyDeleteAs to why I am here, it all started when I was born. After a long series of causes and effects bound by the laws of physics, time, my biology, my environment, and my psychology (possibly related to my biology), I ended up here on my bed typing out these words on my new laptop. As to why I'm taking this class, it seemed like the most interesting Philosophy class that would fill up that last 3 hours that I needed in my schedule to complete my minor in the subject. I think happiness is an interesting thing to ponder from a variety of aspects. And thinking about such things, I think, would help guide myself towards a better way of living that's suited towards myself and what it is I want out of life. So there's some heavy motivation there I guess.
So yeah, there ya go. I shall see the lot of you in class I suspect. Cheers!
- Julian Jennison
Hello my name is J'Ana Reed. This will be my second class with you Dr. Phil. I am a graduating senior and I am at MTSU because I love the campus it is beautiful and I have received a fulfilling education with my 3 years here. I am all about searching for my happiness and learning what makes me happy.
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm Kyle Jameson. If I remember right, yours was one of the classes I took my first semester at MTSU and the only one I passed. That was a bad year. Hopefully I've matured since then.
ReplyDeleteI'm here because I tried Psychology for a minor and dedicated that it was not near as interesting as I thought, so I decided that Philosophy had to be interesting after my experience during my first semester. I could give an explanation about how important the concept of happiness is and how much everyone lacks it, but frankly it was as much how interesting the subject is as the fact that the time slot worked for my schedule.
To me, happiness is a comfortable place to sit, a hot cup of coffee and a loving cat. In more general terms, good home, good eats and good company. Everything besides that is work or entertainment.
Glad you've persevered, Kyle. Best thing to do with a bad year is learn from it and put it behind you.
DeleteSitting with cats has its place,but I recommend walking with dogs. And don't exclude work & entertainment from the sphere of happiness!
Hey professor and class, I just wanted to let y'all know I will be absent today and possible Thursday. I am in Houston and Hurricane Harvey is not playing nice. I am unable to get out of Houston as of currently, 2nd day of cancelled flights. I will be in attendance as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteBe safe!
Deletehey professor, my name is Abraham Lou. I am here to learn , understand and appreciate. i'm happy because I to understand that nothing can let me down, regardless of any situation.I dont hold things or people to an expectation, it makes it easier and keeps a connection better. i have two main motto's: appreciate the similarities and respect/understand the differences, and the golden rule. as long as i'm doing what i feel is right for treating another person in a humane aspect, i'm happy.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Zoe, and I am here (both in this class and on this planet) because my favorite question is 'why?' Very Socratic, I know. I believe that if one is to question the universe, one must first question oneself and one's immediate surroundings, as well as question one's own thoughts. This course in particular appealed to me because happiness is such an ephemeral concept that to study it is both intriguing and seemingly impossible.
ReplyDeleteHey guys! My name is Samantha Beasley but you can call me Sam. I am a wife, a sister in Kappa Delta, a friend, and a mom to my cat Willow and six fish who are nameless. I am a senior graduating in May 2018. My major is Integrated Studies which basically means I can pick all of my classes and still graduate on time. My area of focus within this major is health and I have a minor in business administration. While I love to learn and to think, I believe this class will give me both. I am here to better my outlook on life by taking fun and different classes. I loved my last philosophy class and am excited to take this one.
ReplyDeleteHello
ReplyDeleteMy name is Liam, and I am here at MTSU to gain a degree in audio production. I am in this class because I derive satisfaction from reading and discussing philosophy and philosophical thinkers and have found it to be an excellent way to prevent being bogged down by audio classes.
I believe happiness is more present than I give credit and that what makes me happy is often much more simple than what I might think at times. Unfortunately it's much easier to focus on the bad, which is why I am trying to be more aware of the moments in which I feel happy, no matter what degree of happiness.
What's up guys! My name is Talmage Crihfield but I got by Latham (my middle name). I'm a senior at MTSU graduating in December with a major in audio production and minor in theater. Last semester, I took Dr. Oliver's Intro to Philosophy class and because I had such a great time, I decided to take this class too. I also want to discover more about the philosophical meaning of happiness as well. I'm generally a happy guy, so mostly anything makes me happy! Usually joking around with my friends and fraternity brothers/sisters in ODP make me the happiest. "Party on, Wayne!"
ReplyDeleteQue pasa! My name is Tyler Price, but I also go by Ty, T Price or T.P (not the toilet paper). This is my last lap here at MTSU and I'm a psychology major with minors in sociology and philosophy! I'm planning to apply to grad school at UTK to receive my masters in sports psychology. I'm minoring in philosophy because I love to always question the things I've been told that was true. Instead of yelling "NO" to my parents growing up I would always ask "WHY!!!" I love to think outside the box and I also enjoy hearing the opinions of my peers. I’m looking forward to discover more about what truly makes me happy and why do those certain things make me feel that way! CHEERS, to an awesome semester!
ReplyDeleteHello, My name is Reagan Dougherty. I am taking this course because I would like to know the scholarly approach on how happiness is achieved. I believe we are all put on the planet to fulfill some type of goal, however I do not know what mine is yet. Happiness to me is a good margarita with old friends. I look forward to my world view being expanded in this class.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Alex Knight and I am currently senior at MTSU majoring in biology and minoring chemistry and philosophy. I took intro to philosophy with Dr. Oliver and I loved it, I loved the course and professor. Taking that course made me to add philosophy minor. My goal is to get into medical school and become a physician. I am very excited to take this class and my happiness is my family and close friends.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Adedeji Ademola but you can call me "Ade" or "D.J", whichever works for you. I major in international Relations and double minor in English and Philosophy. I'm taking this classes for two reasons: (1) for my philosophy minor and (2) because the title is rather enticing. Happiness to me is helping others and making meaningful contribution in the lives of those around me.
ReplyDeleteI'm Madison! I am at MTSU studying philosophy and biology. I hope to graduate in May and persue a career with the National Park Service. Currently am interested in kayaking, practicing the banjo, raising six hens, and crawling around in caves. When I have the time, of course!
ReplyDeleteHi I'm Madelin. I'm here on earth to grow and love and have fun and everything in between. I'm taking this class to gain wisdom on sweet sweet happiness
ReplyDeleteGreeting everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm "Sarah" (legal first name) Tignor but I've always gone by Maggie. I'm an interior design major with an interest in psychology. I'm in this course because I would like to learn more about what fulfills humans, and how happiness impacts our lives. I believe strongly in the positive outcomes that happiness brings, I would like to understand and get a deeper grasp on the emotion. My loving partner, Hunter, and our cat Smokey make me very happy on a daily basis. You might also find me using a little self medication ;) and making art & music for enjoyment as well.
Section 6
ReplyDeleteHey class! On Thursday while we were discussing our personal philosophies I mentioned a quote from a film Waking Life.
"The idea is to stay in a constant state of departure, while always arriving."
I mentioned I would post a link to the film if I could find it. Unfortunately, I did not find the full film. But here is a youtube video that gives you an idea of what you can expect from the film. I highly recommend it for all you deep thinkers! If any body gets a chance to watch it, please don't hesitate to discuss it with me or give me your review!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rg0l0hhx_4
Section 6
ReplyDeletehttp://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/The%20College%20of%20Chinese%20Wisdom%20-%20WSJ.pdf
I would like to share with you all a Wall Street Journal article I stumbled upon last year in the paper. Written by Michael Puett and Christine Gross-Loh, The College of Chinese Wisdom is an article that explores the philosophy of Confucius and some other Eastern Philosophers who present us with the idea that the contemporary Western objective to "find oneself" negates true enlightenment. This speaks primarily to younger Americans, (possibly college students) who have gotten caught up in our cultures demand to put us into niche groups of people or career paths. This article spoke to me a lot, as someone who has always felt a bit behind because I do not have one specific "trade." To counter my own insecurities, this article rejoices in the individuals who do not put themselves in one particular box. In addition, it reinstates what I believe to be a very innate philosophy that has been back-burned: it is in the journey. It brings to our attention that like all things, the human is in constant flux. And what is flux? Continuous change! Above all else, we know that we grow. It starts before we even see the light of day – in our mother’s womb we are growing and we are changing. This is a cycle that never ends. It is very easy to observe these changes in the earlier years of life. The difference between a four-year-old and a six-year-old is nothing if not significant. From our elementary years, to our pubescent years, to our years of young adulthood, these changes are so empirical. But once we are adults, the changes we go through are less noticeable. Nonetheless, they are there are they are significant. Please read and share your thoughts!