Are we who we've always been? How does getting older change us?

(Note: If you’ve missed any session of this series, fear not! We organize the series such that missing a class session or joining mid-way through doesn’t feel disjointed. The series registration cost is reduced to reflect the number of remaining sessions)

Aging is an inevitable part of the human experience. We are all, always, getting older. But, how we navigate this process can vary greatly. We will explore the complex relationship between aging, personal identity, and transformation from a philosophical and intersectional perspective. As we journey through life, we face the inevitability of aging, and the changes that come with it. We will consider questions such as: How does aging impact personal identity? Is our sense of self fixed, or does it evolve as we age? What role do our experiences, choices, and memories play in shaping our identity as we grow older?

Through thought-provoking readings, films and facilitated discussions, we will delve into the complexities of aging and personal identity, and explore the ways in which different individuals navigate this process. By examining the intersections of age, race, class, and gender, we will gain a deeper understanding of the impact that societal norms and expectations can have on our experiences of aging. Through this exploration, we will develop a greater appreciation for the unique journey that is aging, and gain insights into how we can navigate this process with grace and wisdom.

Drawing on a diverse selection of texts, including Kieran Setiya's "Midlife: A Philosophical Guide," Simone de Beauvoir's "The Coming of Age," Audre Lorde's "Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference," excerpts from Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Wave in the Mind," and the short story "The Immortal" by Jorge Luis Borges, we will examine the ways in which our sense of self evolves or remains constant as we age, and consider how our experiences, choices, and memories contribute to this ongoing process.

Class Readings & Films

Class 1 (June 18, 2023) "Midlife: A Philosophical Guide" by Kieran Setiya - This philosophical work explores the experience of midlife and the associated challenges of identity, purpose, and fulfillment. Setiya draws on a range of philosophical perspectives to offer insights into this unique life stage.

Class 2 (July 9, 2023): "The Coming of Age" (La Vieillesse) by Simone de Beauvoir - This philosophical work explores the experience of aging and society's attitudes towards the elderly. Drawing on personal observations, historical analysis, and existential philosophy, de Beauvoir delves into the physical, psychological, and social aspects of aging, as well as the role of elderly people in various cultures and societies.

Class 3 (Sept. 17, 2023)

• “The Immortal" by Jorge Luis Borges - This short story explores the themes of time, mortality, and the meaning of life through the story of a man who is accidentally granted immortality.

• “The Geranium” — a short story by Flannery O’Conner

• “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” Kurt Vonnegut’s short story

Class 4 (Oct. 1, 2023)

• Film: Wild Strawberries (1957) - A Swedish film about an aging professor who revisits the significant moments of his past and grapples with his own mortality.

• "Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference" by Audre Lorde - In this influential essay, Lorde addresses the intersections of race, gender, class, and age, arguing that these categories cannot be separated from one another and that addressing the experiences of older women is essential to building a more just and equitable society.

• “A Worn Path" a short story by Eudora Welty

At the heart of our exploration is the essential question: Are we who we've always been? How does aging change us? Through facilitated class discussions, we will delve into this central question, exploring questions such as:

• How does aging affect our sense of self, and what role do societal attitudes and expectations play in this process?

• What can we learn from diverse perspectives on the experience of aging, and how can we use this knowledge to enrich our own lives and relationships?

• How can we cultivate resilience and growth in the face of aging and life transitions, and what role do memory, personal growth, and societal expectations play in this process?

• What can we learn from philosophical and literary perspectives on aging, and how can these insights inform our own experiences and choices?

• How can we work towards a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of the complex issues surrounding aging and identity, particularly about the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation?

Class Dates & Times

Sundays from 4:00-6:00PM
June 18, July 9th, Sept. 17, Oct. 1