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Event—Adult Education

The Philosophy of George Santayana: Reason in Common Sense

Feb 13, 2020

George Santayana (1863-1952) was more than the author of a famous quote about the lessons of the past. He was a great American philosopher. In The Life of Reason, he put forth a philosophy that harmoniously balanced the values of the material and ideal worlds.

Seminar Description

George Santayana (1863-1952) was more than the author of a famous quote about the lessons of the past. He was a great American philosopher. In The Life of Reason, he put forth a philosophy that harmoniously balanced the values of the material and ideal worlds. Reason in Common Sense, which outlines essential points of this philosophy eloquently and without jargon, has much to say to us in our times of ecological, religious, and political crisis. In this seminar, we will read the work of Santayana and discuss its relevance to our contemporary predicaments.

Six sessions. E – $210, R – $231

Eugene Newman is a longtime Newberry seminars leader who has taught on a wide range of philosophical, theological, and literary topics.

Materials List

Required

  • George Santayana, The Life of Reason: Introduction and Reason in Common. MIT Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-262-01674-2
  • Please note: The Rosenberg Bookshop was unable to stock the book for this seminar, however the book may be available for purchase through a major bookseller (Better World Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.) or through your local Chicago bookstore (Indiebound can help you locate your nearest local bookstore). A free, digital version is also available via Project Gutenberg at the following link: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15000/15000-h/15000-h.htm.

First Reading:

  • There is no required reading for the first session.

Registration Information

  • Online registration opens at 9 am (CST) on Tuesday, January 7.
  • Phone registration opens at 12 pm (CST) on Wednesday, January 8.

Early registration (E) prices are in effect from January 7 at 9 am through January 24 at 4 pm. Regular registration (R) prices are in effect January 24 at 4 pm through the end of the term.

We offer a 10% discount to members, seniors, and students.

**This seminar has been cancelled.**

Need Help? Please email seminars@newberry.org.

This seminar is part of the Newberry’s Seminars Program. Learn more about registering for a seminar, program policies and procedures, or teaching a seminar.