The End(s) of Humanity – The Imperative of Responsibility - UChicago

Course Description

We proceed from the idea that the apocalyptic power of technology has forever changed our relation to the world, both natural and human, and we consider Hans Jonas’s densely argued statement of how this leads to a new and unprecedented imperative of responsibility—for the world, to future generations, for the continuation of humanity. Beginning from selected classic texts—philosophical, social scientific, and literary—we will consider some broad questions about the transformations of our relation to nature, as well as about the possibility of finding a foundation for an unprecedented ethics of human action and witness. In addition to Jonas, the seminar will include readings from Aristotle, Kant, Heidegger, and Robert Heilbroner. Tutorial readings will include selected sermons of Jonathan Edwards, novels by Hemingway and Amitav Ghosh, and Paul Schrader’s film, First Reformed—supplemented with contemporary commentaries, relevant science, and an occasional poem or two.

Prerequisites:

At least 2 years of the Basic Program.

Required Texts

Required Texts:

Bacon, Francis, Selected Philosophical Works, Hackett 978-0872204706

Edwards, Jonathan, A Jonathan Edwards Reader, Yale 978-0300098389

Haushofer, Marlen, The Wall, tr. Whiteside, New Directions 978-0811231947

Hemingway, Ernest, The Old Man and the Sea, Scribner 978-0684801223

Jonas, The Imperative of Responsibility, U Chicago Press 978-0226405971

Kant, Immanuel, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Hackett 978-0872201668

Schrader, Paul, First Reformed, Archway Editions 978-1576879740

Frequently Asked Questions

Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.

Do we take assessments in these courses?

Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.

How can I best prepare for class?

Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.

Do I have to complete an application?

Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.

Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School?

Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.

UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions? 

Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.

What happens if I have to miss a class?

Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.

What is your withdrawal/cancellation policy?

You can find our withdrawal and cancellation policy with other registration issues here. Most drop or transfer requests can be made through your student account.

Will this course be offered online or in person?

The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.

What happens if I miss a class?

While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.

I can no longer participate in a course I registered for. Can I get a refund?

If you need to drop a course, please email us at graham@learningplatform.support to process your request. When reaching out, please include your full name, the course name and the section. If you made a donation during your course purchase, please confirm if you would like the donation refunded as well.

Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.

How do I access my course after registration?

Your course will be available on the Graham Learning Platform three weeks before the start date. You’ll log in using the same credentials you used during registration. If you need help accessing your course, check out our helpful video tutorial.

I have a question about the course registration process, who should I reach out to?

If you have a question about how to register for a course, watch the helpful videos on our registration tips page. You can also email our support team at graham@learningplatform.support. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

Where have Graham School programs been featured?

Graham School programs have received national and international attention, with coverage in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, The Atlantic, and other leading publications.