Ethics in the World - What’s the point in it all? Schopenhauer and Nietzsche on the meaning of life

We very much look forward to welcoming both new and returning students to the University of Southampton. 

We would like to advise that you will need to have the appropriate technology and suitable internet connection in place, as we will be making use of online materials. At Southampton, we use a virtual learning environment (VLE) called Blackboard which is used to deliver learning materials and real-time online teaching for our students.

Ethics in the World - What’s the point in it all? Schopenhauer and Nietzsche on the meaning of life (Online)

What gives value to our lives? Should we be grateful for having been born or not? An exploration of questions of the meaning and value of life will focus on the issues, concerns and solutions of two prominent 19th century philosophers – Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche. The course will introduce you to some of the key early existentialist questions which have contributed significantly to modern thought.

During the course we will consider questions such as – Is life worth the effort invested in it? Can art redeem life? Is God dead? Can a life of suffering be affirmed?

Course Description

This 6-week course will take place online from 7pm to 9pm on Monday evenings starting on 13th October 2025 and finishing on 17th November 2025.

Please see our price list below:

• Standard price - £115.00
• Staff/student/alumni price - £100.00

Please note: if you select the staff or student price option, you must use an online store account that has been set up with your University email address and fill out your University staff or student ID number when prompted as part of the questionnaire data section.

When booking a course please do consult our Terms and Conditions which set out our cancellation and refund policy.

(Image credit: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash)