Teaching "Process and Reality" Syllabus

can you write a syllabus for teaching process and reality

Creating a syllabus for teaching Alfred North Whitehead's "Process and Reality" involves crafting a structured and comprehensive approach to exploring this complex and profound work. The syllabus should be designed to guide students through the intricate philosophical concepts and ideas presented in the book. Here is a proposed syllabus:

Course Title: Exploring Whitehead's "Process and Reality"

Course Description:

This course delves into Alfred North Whitehead's seminal work "Process and Reality," a cornerstone of process philosophy. Students will engage in an in-depth examination of Whitehead's metaphysical ideas, exploring themes such as the nature of reality, the process of becoming, and the interplay of creativity and experience.

Course Objectives:

• Understand and articulate the central themes of "Process and Reality."
• Analyze and critically assess Whitehead's philosophical arguments.
• Explore the relevance of process philosophy in contemporary thought.
• Develop skills in philosophical reading, analysis, and discussion.

Course Structure:

Week 1-2: Introduction to Whitehead and Process Philosophy

• Overview of Whitehead’s life and work
• Key concepts in process philosophy
• Reading: "Process and Reality," Introduction

Week 3-4: The Categoreal Scheme

• Categories of Existence, Explanation, and Obligation
• Understanding the Category of the Ultimate
• Reading: "Process and Reality," Chapters I-II

Week 5-6: The Nature of Reality and Becoming

• Concept of Actual Entities and Prehensions
• The process of Concrescence
• Reading: "Process and Reality," Chapter III

Week 7-8: Creativity and the World

• Exploration of Creativity as the principle of novelty
• Role of Eternal Objects
• Reading: "Process and Reality," Chapter IV

Week 9-10: God and the World

• Whitehead’s concept of God
• Interrelation between God and the World
• Reading: "Process and Reality," Chapter V

Week 11-12: Whitehead’s Cosmology

• Detailed discussion of Whitehead’s cosmological theory
• The problem of Subjectivity and Objectivity
• Reading: "Process and Reality," Chapter VI

Week 13-14: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Relevance

• Examination of critiques of Whitehead’s philosophy
• Application of process philosophy in modern contexts

Week 15: Course Review and Final Discussions

• Summary of key themes and concepts
• Final student presentations

Assessment:

• Weekly reading reflections (30%)
• Mid-term paper on a selected theme (30%)
• Final project/presentation (30%)
• Class participation (10%)

Required Text:

• Whitehead, Alfred North. "Process and Reality." Corrected Edition, Edited by Griffin, D.R., and Sherburne, D.W.

Recommended Readings:

• Secondary literature on process philosophy and Whitehead's work
• Contemporary applications of process thought in various disciplines

This syllabus provides a comprehensive framework for exploring "Process and Reality," offering students a deep and nuanced understanding of Whitehead's complex philosophical landscape.

can you provide more texts and resources to support this syllabus. What secondary literature would be useful?

To support the syllabus for teaching Alfred North Whitehead's "Process and Reality," it is essential to include a range of secondary literature and resources that provide additional perspectives, critical analyses, and contemporary applications of Whitehead's ideas. Here is a selection of texts and resources that would be useful:

Core Secondary Texts:

1. "Whitehead’s Radically Different Postmodern Philosophy: An Argument for Its Contemporary Relevance" by David Ray Griffin

   • Offers a thorough analysis of Whitehead's philosophy and its relevance to postmodern thought.

2. "Process-Relational Philosophy: An Introduction to Alfred North Whitehead" by C. Robert Mesle

   • A clear and accessible introduction to the basic concepts of process philosophy as developed by Whitehead.

3. "The Philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead" by Paul Arthur Schilpp (editor)

   • A collection of essays by various philosophers discussing various aspects of Whitehead's thought.

4. "Interpreting Whitehead: Critical Essays" by George R. Lucas Jr.

   • Provides critical perspectives on Whitehead's philosophy.

5. "Whitehead’s Metaphysics of Creativity" by Michael Epperson

   • Explores the concept of creativity in Whitehead's metaphysical system.

Additional Resources:

• Whitehead Research Project (WRP): An academic initiative that promotes research into Whitehead's thought.
• Process Studies Journal: A peer-reviewed journal that focuses on the study of Whitehead's work and its implications.
• The Center for Process Studies: A research center that offers resources, events, and publications related to process thought.

Online Lectures and Courses:

• Coursera or EdX Courses: Look for courses on process philosophy, metaphysics, or modern philosophical thought.
• YouTube Lectures: Various university lectures and talks on Whitehead and process philosophy are available for supplementary viewing.

Complementary Texts for Broader Context:

1. "A Key to Whitehead’s Process and Reality" by Donald W. Sherburne

   • A guidebook that helps unravel some of the more challenging aspects of Whitehead's text.

2. "Alfred North Whitehead: The Man and His Work" by Victor Lowe

   • Provides insights into Whitehead's life, influencing his philosophical ideas.

3. "Thinking with Whitehead: A Free and Wild Creation of Concepts" by Isabelle Stengers

   • Explores the innovative nature of Whitehead's thought.

4. "Process Philosophy: A Survey of Basic Issues" edited by Nicholas Rescher

   • Offers a broad overview of process philosophy, providing a context for Whitehead's work.

These texts and resources will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Whitehead's philosophy, its historical context, critical perspectives, and its continuing relevance in contemporary philosophical discourse. They are essential for anyone looking to deeply engage with "Process and Reality" and the broader field of process thought.