Spring 2024
Tuesday/Thursdays 5:00-6:20pm
Anteater Learning Pavilion 1100
Professor Brianne Donaldson
[email protected]
Office HIB 56
DESCRIPTION
Process philosophy emphasizes events over things, creativity over stasis, experiential perception over cognition, immanence over transcendence, interdependence over separation, and epistemic revision over certainty. Using a historical and contemporary analysis of environmental ethics as a backdrop, we will explore how the “process philosophy of organism”— associated with the mathematician and metaphysician Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947)—offers a constructive foundation for thought, feeling, and action in dynamic systems, societies, and multispecies communities. In addition to Whitehead, we will explore process perspectives from ancient Greece and India, the American pragmatists, and Whitehead-informed Continental philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Isabel Stengers.
Students will develop their own big question in a research project that may overlap existing work in process studies, environment, and any of the following (non-exhaustive) topics: new materialism, health care, education, climate change, physics, animal ethics, engaged mysticism, process theology, problem of evil, queer studies, the concept of God, feminism, hip-hop futures, and many other areas.
Whitehead’s work is challenging and students who take up the task are encouraged to be self-driven, persistent, and release any aim of mastery. Stengers claims, “If Whitehead's work is hard to approach, it is because it demands, with utter discretion, that its readers accept the adventure of the questions that will separate them from every consensus” (Thinking With Whitehead: A Free & Wild Creation of Concepts 2011, 7).
Tuesday/Thursdays 5:00-6:20pm
Anteater Learning Pavilion 1100
Professor Brianne Donaldson
[email protected]
Office HIB 56
DESCRIPTION
Process philosophy emphasizes events over things, creativity over stasis, experiential perception over cognition, immanence over transcendence, interdependence over separation, and epistemic revision over certainty. Using a historical and contemporary analysis of environmental ethics as a backdrop, we will explore how the “process philosophy of organism”— associated with the mathematician and metaphysician Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947)—offers a constructive foundation for thought, feeling, and action in dynamic systems, societies, and multispecies communities. In addition to Whitehead, we will explore process perspectives from ancient Greece and India, the American pragmatists, and Whitehead-informed Continental philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Isabel Stengers.
Students will develop their own big question in a research project that may overlap existing work in process studies, environment, and any of the following (non-exhaustive) topics: new materialism, health care, education, climate change, physics, animal ethics, engaged mysticism, process theology, problem of evil, queer studies, the concept of God, feminism, hip-hop futures, and many other areas.
Whitehead’s work is challenging and students who take up the task are encouraged to be self-driven, persistent, and release any aim of mastery. Stengers claims, “If Whitehead's work is hard to approach, it is because it demands, with utter discretion, that its readers accept the adventure of the questions that will separate them from every consensus” (Thinking With Whitehead: A Free & Wild Creation of Concepts 2011, 7).
Opening Recitation
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STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME! (Spring 2025)
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Where to find my office: Humanities Instructional Bldg, Lowest level, Room #56 (Philosophy Dept; map here). Visiting hours start Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
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Required Texts
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John B. Cobb, Jr., Whitehead Word Book: A Glossary with Alphabetical Index to Technical Terms in Process and Reality (Approx $5-10 to buy)
Available through bookstore or online. Free version available here (but I recommend having one in class if possible so you can look up terms in real time).
Brian G. Henning, Value, Beauty & Nature: The Philosophy of Organism and the Metaphysical Foundations of Environmental Ethics.
Click for Free Version through Langson Library (you can only read this free version online; you cannot check it out. Paperback approximately $35 Hardcover : 9781438495576, 302 pages, December 2023 Paperback : 9781438495569, 302 pages, June 2024 |
POLICIES
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance will begin the second full week of class, after the drop/add deadline (April 11, 2025). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. These two days apply to illness, religious observance, travel, out of class events, or any other reason. If you choose to miss two days and then fall ill, those absences still count. However, if you have an extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan going forward. *Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always “pass” in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.
ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second full week of classes April 11, 2025; click here.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible.
LATE WORK POLICY
The late policy will begin after the drop/add deadline of October 11, 2024. There is a one-hour grace period on all assignments, except online quizzes, which must be completed by class time. After the drop/add deadline, late assignments (after the one-hour grace period) of up to 40 points will receive a one-time 2-point deduction; late assignments over 40 points will receive a one-time 4-point deduction. All work is due by the last day of the final exam.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Disciplined use of devices for note taking or looking up information relevant to an immediate discussion in class is welcome. Checking out cat memes, doom scrolling, texting, and personal email, while tempting, is not. Various studies link social media to negative thought patterns and varied symptoms of addiction; Other studies report that even short breaks from social media improve well-being. Moreover, it is evident to everyone when a colleague is checked out of class and into their device, and it lessens what the class can be as a whole. I prefer to leave this disciplined restraint to you, but will address it myself if needed. I will do my best to facilitate an active learning environment whenever possible.
Attendance will begin the second full week of class, after the drop/add deadline (April 11, 2025). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. These two days apply to illness, religious observance, travel, out of class events, or any other reason. If you choose to miss two days and then fall ill, those absences still count. However, if you have an extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan going forward. *Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always “pass” in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.
ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second full week of classes April 11, 2025; click here.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible.
LATE WORK POLICY
The late policy will begin after the drop/add deadline of October 11, 2024. There is a one-hour grace period on all assignments, except online quizzes, which must be completed by class time. After the drop/add deadline, late assignments (after the one-hour grace period) of up to 40 points will receive a one-time 2-point deduction; late assignments over 40 points will receive a one-time 4-point deduction. All work is due by the last day of the final exam.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Disciplined use of devices for note taking or looking up information relevant to an immediate discussion in class is welcome. Checking out cat memes, doom scrolling, texting, and personal email, while tempting, is not. Various studies link social media to negative thought patterns and varied symptoms of addiction; Other studies report that even short breaks from social media improve well-being. Moreover, it is evident to everyone when a colleague is checked out of class and into their device, and it lessens what the class can be as a whole. I prefer to leave this disciplined restraint to you, but will address it myself if needed. I will do my best to facilitate an active learning environment whenever possible.
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FOOD AND HOUSING INSECURITY
Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the UCI BASIC NEEDS CENTER at [email protected] / 949-824-0607. Also, please notify me if you'd like to so we can seek out other relevant resources. UCI MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE PHONE LINES (24-HRS/DAY) UCI has several free resources and services to support well-being and safety. Click here / (949) 824-7273 / [email protected]. FIRST GENERATION SUPPORT! Check out the School of Humanities' first-generation services here, including incoming seminar, peer mentor program, and more. |
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
We are here to do the hard work of learning together. Academic dishonesty erodes this goal and your own self confidence, and is a serious academic offense that can result in failing a paper, failing the class, and academic dismissal from the university. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION I do write letters of recommendations for students if I feel I can offer a knowledgeable and positive account of an applicant. Because programs requesting such letters are seeking input from someone who has known applicants for a significant duration and depth, I only consider writing for students who I have had in at least two classes (or one class and another substantive manner such as thesis) and who I can genuinely speak to their work quality, attendance, collegiality, clarity, curiosity, and likely success in future programs. Letters require a back and forth with me so please allow ample time for consideration and completion. |
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Assignments
1. DISCUSSION LEADER WORKSHEETS (60 pts [20pts each x 3 per student])
Each week ONE student will sign up to create a discussion leader worksheet and send it to all participants before class. This student will also lead a 15-20 minute discussion using this sheet. Please see below instructions.
2. FINAL PROJECT (150pts)
Each student will complete a Whitehead-related final project that contributes to their own graduate progress and interest. This could be a paper, but I welcome other proposals--such as robustly annotated bibliographies or comprehensive outlines. Process and Reality should be a primary text engaged in the project.
You can submit any of the below earlier that the deadline.
1. Submit by email: 1-page, single-spaced (3-5 paragraph) proposal in writing by Sunday, January 30 11:59pm (40pts)
3. Submit by email: Final project due by Sunday, March 13 11:59pm (100pts)
Each week ONE student will sign up to create a discussion leader worksheet and send it to all participants before class. This student will also lead a 15-20 minute discussion using this sheet. Please see below instructions.
2. FINAL PROJECT (150pts)
Each student will complete a Whitehead-related final project that contributes to their own graduate progress and interest. This could be a paper, but I welcome other proposals--such as robustly annotated bibliographies or comprehensive outlines. Process and Reality should be a primary text engaged in the project.
You can submit any of the below earlier that the deadline.
1. Submit by email: 1-page, single-spaced (3-5 paragraph) proposal in writing by Sunday, January 30 11:59pm (40pts)
- Include: (a) tentative topic in detail, 6pts; (b) personal motivation, 8pts (c) why the topic matters; 10pts (d) interlocutors, including the particular aspect/s of Whitehead's thought you presently feel will be most valuable (24pts)
3. Submit by email: Final project due by Sunday, March 13 11:59pm (100pts)
| discussion_leader_worksheet__process_ind._study_.docx |
Attendance
Since this independent study will be run like a tutorial, and each student will be leading three particular classes, attendance is mandatory at each class. If one student cannot attend, we will cancel class for that week.
We must have 8 sessions throughout the quarter for full credit.
We must have 8 sessions throughout the quarter for full credit.
Weekly Schedule
WEEK 1: JANUARY 7
MT: Lecture 9, The Aim of Philosophy (171-74)
PR: Preface, and Part I/Ch 1 (p. xi-xv and 3-17)
While reading, please pay special attention to, and be ready to discuss:
MT: Lecture 9, The Aim of Philosophy (171-74)
PR: Preface, and Part I/Ch 1 (p. xi-xv and 3-17)
While reading, please pay special attention to, and be ready to discuss:
- what habits of though WH is responding to/repudiating (summarized on p. xiii, but described throughout)
- Key terms
- "fallacy of misplaced concreteness" (PR) and "fallacy of the perfect dictionary" (MT)
- Your own Qs
WEEK 2: JANUARY 14
Hi Nikita and Elias: Below is the updated reading (I kept a few pages from Ch 1 in the mix, but I think we should carry on to Ch 2 so we can actually begin to engage Wh's elements of the Philosophy of Organism)
PR (Part I):
Assignments
Hi Nikita and Elias: Below is the updated reading (I kept a few pages from Ch 1 in the mix, but I think we should carry on to Ch 2 so we can actually begin to engage Wh's elements of the Philosophy of Organism)
PR (Part I):
- Ch 1 (p. 4–8; Start at "Section II" on p. 4 and stop at the paragraph at the bottom of p. 8 beginning "The scheme is true with unformulated qualifications. . . "
- Ch 2-3 (p. 18-36)
- Please read John Cobb's Introduction (p. 1-8) to see how this "glossary" does and does not function; I draw your attention specifically to p. 4-6 where Cobb makes some basic connections to Buddhism and a possible philosophical method of "Whiteheadian meditation."
- Also at least look through pages 9-26 and use as needed; the content in these pages may help elucidate particular terms in Chs 1-2 of Process and Reality.
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Elias
WEEK 3: JANUARY 21
PR (focus on PR readings and WWB; the other easier readings in MT and CN give some more context of why WH sees this metaphysics as needed)
Concept of Nature p. 26-39 (text link here; start at CH II, Theories of the Bifurcation of Nature; stop reading when you hit paragraph on p. 39 starting "Some light is thrown on the artificial status . . . "; pages are noted in right margin)
Modes of Thought, Lecture 7, "Nature Lifeless" p. 127–47
Two notes: (1) In this week's readings for PR, Whitehead is articulating why change is not purely random, but has an "unrest" or "appetition" toward novel creative order of some kind. (2) Whitehead is, in a sense, offering an alternative to Aristotle's matter and form, or Platonic Forms/Ideas as eternal, timeless, changeless, unconditioned.
Assignments
WEEK 4: JANUARY 28
PR
Assignments
WEEK 5: FEBRUARY 4
PR
Assignments
WEEK 6: FEBRUARY 11
Connections and Applications
Steven Shaviro, "Deleuze's Encounter With Whitehead," link here
Wikipedia, "Agential Realism" (associated with feminist physicist Karen Barad), link here
Whitehead, Aims of Education excerpt (pdf below)
Assignments
PR (focus on PR readings and WWB; the other easier readings in MT and CN give some more context of why WH sees this metaphysics as needed)
- Part 1, Ch 3, 31–36 (recommend to re-read from last week since this short chapter describes the role of timeless order [aka "God," "eternality," "unrealized abstract form," "eternal objects"] in creative and novel becoming, or "imagination" beyond pure repetition)
- Part 2, Ch 1, Fact and Form 39–60, special focus on "eternal objects"
Concept of Nature p. 26-39 (text link here; start at CH II, Theories of the Bifurcation of Nature; stop reading when you hit paragraph on p. 39 starting "Some light is thrown on the artificial status . . . "; pages are noted in right margin)
Modes of Thought, Lecture 7, "Nature Lifeless" p. 127–47
Two notes: (1) In this week's readings for PR, Whitehead is articulating why change is not purely random, but has an "unrest" or "appetition" toward novel creative order of some kind. (2) Whitehead is, in a sense, offering an alternative to Aristotle's matter and form, or Platonic Forms/Ideas as eternal, timeless, changeless, unconditioned.
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Nikita
WEEK 4: JANUARY 28
PR
- Part 2, Ch 2, The Extensive Continuum 61–82
- Modes of Thought, Lecture 8, "Nature Alive," p. 148–69
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Elias
- Project proposal due by Sunday 1/30, 11:59pm by email (see details in "Assignments" above)
WEEK 5: FEBRUARY 4
PR
- Part 2, Ch 3, The Order of Nature 83-109
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Nikita
WEEK 6: FEBRUARY 11
Connections and Applications
Steven Shaviro, "Deleuze's Encounter With Whitehead," link here
Wikipedia, "Agential Realism" (associated with feminist physicist Karen Barad), link here
Whitehead, Aims of Education excerpt (pdf below)
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Elias
| aims_of_education_ch1_-_feb_5_2022_-_10-30_am.pdf |
WEEK 7: FEBRUARY 18
Connections and Applications
PR
Ācārāṅga-sūtra ("Book of Conduct") Book 1 (of Jainism) (pdf below)
Assignments
Connections and Applications
PR
- Part 3/Ch 3, "The Transmission of Feelings," 244-55
Ācārāṅga-sūtra ("Book of Conduct") Book 1 (of Jainism) (pdf below)
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Nikita
| ācārāṅga-sūtra_ch_1_excerpt_annotated.pdf |
WEEK 8: FEBRUARY 25
PR
Roland Faber, "'A Tender Care that Nothing Be Lost: Universal Salvation and Eternal Loss in Butler and Whitehead'", link here
Assignments
PR
- Part 5/Ch 1, "The Ideal Opposites," 337-41
- Part 5/Ch 2, "God and the World," 342-351
Roland Faber, "'A Tender Care that Nothing Be Lost: Universal Salvation and Eternal Loss in Butler and Whitehead'", link here
Assignments
- In-class progress report at the start of class; tentative bibliography emailed to BD by Sunday, February 27 11:59pm (10pts)
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Elias
WEEK 9: March 4
Whitehead, Adventures of Ideas, Ch 20 (pdf below)
Brian Henning, Ethics of Creativity, Ch 5 (pdf below)
Whitehead, "Immortality" (pdf below)
Assignments
Whitehead, Adventures of Ideas, Ch 20 (pdf below)
Brian Henning, Ethics of Creativity, Ch 5 (pdf below)
Whitehead, "Immortality" (pdf below)
Assignments
- Discussion Leader Worksheet: Nikita
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WEEK 10: March 11
Assignments
Submit by email: Final project due by Sunday, March 13 11:59pm (100pts)
Assignments
Submit by email: Final project due by Sunday, March 13 11:59pm (100pts)