COURSE SYLLABUS
Description
This year’s seminar will focus on works that challenge
orthodox views in various fields. Planned readings include Eric Beinhocker,
The Origin of Wealth; Stephen Pinker, The Blank Slate; Richard
Dawkins, The God Delusion; Jonathan Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis;
and Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Our discussions will work
to draw connections among these works and to explore their implications for how
one should live.
Required Course Materials
- Eric Beinhocker, The Origin of Wealth
- Stephen Pinker, The Blank Slate
- Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion
- Jonathan Haidt, The Happiness Hypothesis
- Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma
Contacting the Professor
My office is located in WB 313, phone 434/924-3463. Sending email to ripv@virginia.edu is ordinarily the easiest and quickest way to contact me. Although I have no formal office hours, I am usually here weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to stop by at your convenience. I will gladly make an appointment to meet with you later if you arrive at a time when I cannot be interrupted. You may also call, email, or speak to me after class to make an appointment. In case of weekend or after-hours emergencies, you may reach me at home, phone 434/977-0565.
Grading
Seminar participants will receive pass/fail grades for the year. Attendance at all five sessions is required to be awarded credit. I will determine grades on the basis of participation in our discussions.
Reading Assignments
For a schedule of reading assignments, click here.
I will announce any necessary changes to the seminar schedule by email and post the relevant changes to the outline on the class web site.