Now that you’re aware of the negative influences in your sense of self and relationships with others, how do you go about changing them? First, you need to identify what is important to you. Not what your parents, your religious leaders, your government representatives or society as a whole tells you is supposed to be important, but what is actually important to you. There are lots of things to consider, and this is a hard one to navigate without a compass. The Great Courses offers an audio lecture series entitled Questions of Value, in which Patrick Grim, B.Phil., Ph.D., discusses of a wide range of topics pertaining to ethics and value theory in the context of twenty-four, thirty minute lectures. Here’s what the lecture series covers:

Questions of value

Facts and values

Lives to envy, lives to admire

Foundations of ethics—theories of the good

Foundations of ethics—theories of the right

Thoughts on religion and values

Life’s priorities

The cash value of a life

How do we know right from wrong?

Cultures and values—questions of relativism

Cultures and values—Hopi, Navajo, and Ik

Evolution, ethics, and game theory

The objective side of value

Better off dead

A picture of justice

Life’s horrors

A genealogy of my morals

Theories of punishment

Choice and chance

Free will and determinism

Images of immortality

Ethical knowledge, rationality, and rules

Moralities in conflict and in change

Sounds interesting? It is. The Great Courses actually offers numerous well done lecture series for purchase. If this is not in your budget, you’re in luck! Many libraries will allow you to rent a course, and some are available on YouTube, so don’t rule this out simply based upon cost.

 

Disclaimer: This blog is not designed to diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses or trauma, and Dr. Emick is not responsible for your use of this educational material or its consequences. Furthermore, reading this blog does not create a doctor-patient relationship. The information contained within this blog is not intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate, or best care for any given physical or behavioral health issue, nor does it take into account the unique circumstances that define the health issues of the reader. If you have questions about the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a condition or illness, you should consult your personal health care professional. As always, consult with your personal health care professional before beginning or changing any fitness or nutrition program to make sure that it is appropriate for your needs. Dr. Emick reserves the right to modify her positions on a subject based upon new research or data as it presents.