Doing Philosophy is Learning to Die

Course description

In 1580 the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne wrote his essay "Doing Philosophy is Learning to Die," recycling many passages and ideas from his favourite Latin philosophers, especially Lucretius and Seneca. Expanded new versions of this essay were published in 1588 and 1595, showing the results of Montaigne's continual reflections on the topic of death and how to die like a philosopher. In this discussion seminar we ask ourselves and each other what would count as a respectable or desirable or wise demise, applying our individual philosophies to our own mortal predicaments. We will explore the Latin sources and historical context of Montaigne’s essay as well as his ways of thinking and writing. In this investigation, we will be guided by a specialist in ancient philosophy and we’ll benefit from the reflections of a physician working in cancer care.