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.