Action vs. Contemplation
Wed, Apr 10
Throughout the remainder of the semester, well consider various perspectives on an ancient debate: should you live a life dominated by action, or should you strive for a more contemplative life? In today's class, we'll set the stage for the debate by getting more clarity on the terms and what's at stake.
Goals - by the end of today's class, you will:
- Know what philosophers mean by the "life of action" or the "active life" (the vita activa) and the "life of contemplation" or the "contemplative life" (the vita contemplativa);
- Be able to apply this distinction in the context of contemporary social contexts (like work and education); and
- Evaluate arguments that favor prioritizing one of these goals over the other.
Read This:
(Access readings on Perusall)
Primary Reading: Selections from Summit & Vermeule, Action Versus Contemplation: Why an Ancient Debate Still Matters
Secondary Reading: Selections from Newman's "The Mission of St. Benedict"
Do This:
After completing the readings for today, consider the following questions (which we will talk about in class):
- Would you characterize your current life as a "life of action" or a "life of contemplation"?
- Why might some of the thinkers we've considered in class thus far argue in favor of a more contemplative life? Do you think they're onto something?