This is a pretty kick-ass class. Ayars is razor sharp and gives a good reading list. She lets us discuss a lot and actually get through material to derive some meaningful amount of philosophical knowledge from it. Workload is super light depending on when you sign up for a presentation. In total, it's discussion posts (and replies), a presentation, abstract and then essay of which said abstract is a part.

Our topic was meaning in life. We covered a lot: ● Is the human condition fundamentally painful? ● Is existence “absurd”? ● Would immortality be good for us, if we could achieve it? ● Is it morally wrong to have children? ● Is life worth living? ● Should we fear death? ● Can life have meaning? ● Does it matter if humanity continues after we are gone? Really, that's a lot. One reading per week. Lots of discussion, and when we met once per week it was often two or three presentations on top of discussion/lecture.

Ayars is top-tier faculty. Maybe she's not as bombastic or out-there as other great faculty but goodness me she's smart. She knows her ethics, knows her arguments, and knows how to make things interesting for the rest of us. Considering this is her first seminar as a new faculty member, she did a brilliant job. I wouldn't have had the course any other way.

Honestly, nothing. I went in blind, and so should you--it makes it rewarding. Ayars is very worthwhile to have as an instructor, though, so if you've got the option, take this course with her over and against most anyone else.