"Philosophy, Religion, and the Meaning of Life" Prof. Francis J. Ambrosio (DVD) (36 Lectures / 30 Minutes Per Lecture / 6x DVD - The Great Courses)
This course explores the enduring human quest to understand whether existence is deeply meaningful or ultimately absurd. It traces how this foundational question has evolved through the centuries, setting up a historical framework by comparing two classic existential archetypes: the Greek-derived "Hero" who relies on humanist philosophy, and the Abrahamic "Saint" who finds structure in religious devotion. Moving past basic academic memorization, the curriculum challenges students to directly confront modern existential choices by exploring how these historical archetypes fused together over time. By evaluating influential thinkers ranging from Plato to Viktor Frankl, the material pushes learners to reflect on the deep connections between life, death, personal values, and the overarching construction of human purpose.