2026 Fall
Instructor: Peter Whitkop
Wednesdays • 9/23 – 11/4 • 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Class size 4-10 students
10 seats remaining
Location: Klahr 103
This course is all about discovering how we might apply science’s understanding of natural laws to the conduct of our lives. In order to construct a roadmap to guide us toward this end, we start by reviewing how ancient philosophers approached the issue. We’ll explore ancient beliefs about nature’s structure, our place within, and how these beliefs lay the foundation for creating flourishing lives. Next, we study nature as a complex system and explore the similarities and differences between ancient and modern views. We’ll find that the modern perspective provides important insights for helping us create purpose and meaning in our lives. We’ll also see how nature creates paradoxes and uncertainties and explore some methods useful for living with their exasperating consequences. Finally, the limits that nature places on human knowledge is studied in relation to creativity, mystery, wonder, and spirituality.
Nature as a Guide for Living
Peter holds a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Maine. He has worked in various capacities at Cornell University and DuPont’s Savannah River Laboratory. For much of his career, he was an adjunct faculty member in the Chemistry Department at UMaine. After retirement, he has been trying to fill the gaps in his education. This course is the result of those efforts.