Throughout history, people have grappled with questions around what it means to be human. What does it mean to be a good citizen? What is the role of religion in human lives? What does it mean to live in an ever-connected world? These questions began to emerge during the fourteenth century in Western Europe and quickly spread. As Renaissance humanist thinkers started to turn away from associating humanity with a divine purpose, the question of what it means to be human took on particular importance.

This course will explore the evolution of humanism and will be guided by Sarah Blackwell’s new book Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Inquiry, and Hope. We will also spend time reading works written by the various humanist thinkers covered. We will examine ideas and questions that promoted human progress and dignity, such as: How does shared humanity transcend cultural barriers? How do new ideas develop and how do they take root in a society with established norms? What were the early humanists responding to? Finally, how did humanism lead to the development of other philosophical or societal changes?  

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning): TBA

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Monday, March 10th, 2025

Course Length: 12 weeks, Mondays, 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

Discussion Team: Imogen Brian, Daniel Paul, Matte Downey

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Total Course Fee: 
$140.00 (New Students)
$140.00 (Special Bring-A-Friend Promotion: For Returning Students who bring a New Student to TMI. Register by phone.)*
$200.00 (Returning Students)**

*Note on Bring-A-Friend Promotion for Returning Students: The special 140.00 price is applied immediately if the friend, the New Student, registers first. If the New Student has not yet registered, the regular 200.00 will be charged, and the discount will be refunded when the New Student registers. The discount can also be turned into a credit for a future course.

**Includes Standard Tuition + Admin Fee.

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.