Eliminating Suffering: Netflix, Drugs, and Spiritual Practice (REL 361/GHP 370)

Fall 2024

Taught by Gabriel Citron

Course Description: We suffer. Sometimes more, sometimes less - but we all suffer, and often profoundly. What is it about the human condition that seems to make suffering inevitable? What can we do to deal with it? One approach is to try to change the external conditions causing the trouble. A very different approach sees the most important change as being within ourselves. Can we eliminate - or at least assuage - our suffering by changing the way we direct our attention (Netflix...), by changing the way we experience (drugs...), or by changing our manner of desiring (spiritual practices...)? We will approach these questions practically and theoretically.

You may read more about this course on the Registrar’s page.