HOPE: What Makes Us Human

Tel Aviv University and Campus - the Israeli National Project for Digital Learning via edX

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Provider

edX
Pricing

Free Online Course (Audit)
Languages

English
Duration & workload

10 weeks, 3-5 hours a week
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

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Why breathe? Why breed? Why bleed? What justifies continuing, creating, and killing lives? Seeking answers to these thorny questions, Princeton University and Tel Aviv University have joined hands to create HOPE, a unique online journey into the heart of humanity – at both its brightest and its darkest, in private and in public. Turning to existentialism for guidance, HOPE (Human Odyssey to Political Existentialism) explores a dozen themes: Human/nature, identity & authenticity, freedom & liberty, reflection, happiness, death & dread, meaning, morality, truth & trust, God & religion, alienation & love, and finally – hope.

HOPE is driven by alarm – and aspiration. Alarm about a daily crime against humanity we all commit: Seeing people as puppets, pushed and pulled by forces that leave them “no choice.” Never have we been more powerful, and more prone to lose what made us so. We are an endangered species. Pandemics, climate change, environmental degradation, AI, nuclear weapons are some of the existential risks we face. But what is the point of saving human beings if we forget and forgo what it means to be human?

HOPE is a reminder, a wake-up call, and a guide, to what sets us apart and brings us together, as humans – seeking purpose for our special species. HOPE spans 44 short talks with numerous interactive, educational, tasks. It is the most media-rich online course today, including thousands of works of art, meticulously curated and with copyrights secured, including paintings, photographs, songs, as well as brief segments from tv shows and films. HOPE further introduces original animations, music clips, and videotaped interviews and panels. HOPE is profoundly interdisciplinary and requires no previous professional or academic knowledge – just curiosity about our humanity. It is suited to all ages and levels of education, and anyone can enroll. The course is offered, free of charge, in English, with captions in English, Hebrew and Arabic, and soon French and Spanish as well.

Launched in 2018, HOPE received instant global acclaim, awarded the best online course. Since then, HOPE consistently tops rankings of online courses, worldwide; it’s an all-time #1 online course in political science and philosophy, leading the social sciences and the humanities (among over 5000 courses). Tens of thousands of daily learners, academic (including leading universities) and non-academic, spanning all ages, from over 140 countries, partake in HOPE. You are very welcome to join them and begin your own journey.

Taught by

Uriel Abulof

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 321 Class Central reviews

Start your review of HOPE: What Makes Us Human

Everaldo De Oliveira

This is a course with an innovative approach and a deep reflection. With a brilliant organization and exposition of topics, we are immersed in relevant issues of our time, analyzing concepts underlying our human existence. This course is a journey g…

This is a course with an innovative approach and a deep reflection. With a brilliant organization and exposition of topics, we are immersed in relevant issues of our time, analyzing concepts underlying our human existence. This course is a journey guided by history, where we find great names of human thought, as well as prominent names in the world political scenario. Due importance is, of course, given to the counter-current of existentialist thought which has reoriented philosophical reflection into lived experience, in contrast to rational idealism. This was, I would say, the part that was missing to indicate the horizon, even knowing the existence of the deep abyss to which we are addressing. In other words, to know the existence of both of the abyss and the horizon is to be aware of human existence itself as contingent, yet still capable of looking beyond its own finitude. Each of us, at least once in our lives, has already encountered or will encounter existential questions, and can hardly find a complete answer. Why do we exist? Why are there other people? Why are we here? Why do we die? These are just some questions about the meaning of our existence that are most often experienced within the limits of our own life or to use a term of Karl Jaspers, in ‘limit-situation’ (pain, death, ecc.).
Another great novelty of this course is to offer us historical awareness. As a social being by nature (being-with-others), the human being should find meaning for his existence already in the course of his own existence, which finds its greatest expression in political life. However, in the question of existence, there are no ready answers, and each individual in his singularity must walk the path of 'anguish' to find the sense of 'being-here'. Seen in this way, that the extensive use of Socratic maieutic was a very strong point of the course, helping us to extract from our own interiority some of the answers to existential questions that are buried in the most intimate and secret part of ourselves, making a wide revaluation of the term 'education' (educere), namely ‘lead out’ from us.
I hope that I will have a new opportunity to follow HOPE again!
Sorcha Crowley

This course is one of the richest and most thought-provoking courses I've taken. It combines philosophy, arts and politics to challenge our notions on a variety of topics ranging from identity, love, hope to alienation, death, god and many more. The…

This course is one of the richest and most thought-provoking courses I've taken. It combines philosophy, arts and politics to challenge our notions on a variety of topics ranging from identity, love, hope to alienation, death, god and many more. The underlying philosophy is existentialist, the politics are current, and the references to music, art and film certainly add interest and spark to the course.

One of my favorite things about this course is that it requires participation and interaction between the learners, something I often find lacking in other courses. Each topic requires participation in the discussion forum and a brief contribution to the gallery (well, it doesn't actually require this, since progress is self recorded, however I highly recommend participating as this does lead to some very interesting discussion).

The instructor, a non-native English speaker, is compelling and holds your interest effortlessly, and it is clear that he is as enamored with the topics of discussion, as I - and many of the other learners (judging by the discussion forums) have become.

I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in humanism, existentialism, philosophy, political-science and arts.
Carole Mulvey @Mimi0908

So much material to read and consider. I feel like I have a better understanding of humanity and life after considering the works of some of the greatest thinkers of all time!

The final chapter, Hope, was particularly relevant to me as we studied the picture of Hope and heard the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. it is true that life and people bring disappointment which can be very hard to live with, and that hope and fear are two sides of the same coin. Yet it is hope that keeps us alive, working towards doing good.
Donny Astor

I finished the course HOPE, offered by Princeton (Edx). I completed 30 other MOOC before taking this one. This was the Captsone of the previous 30 MOOC. The title of the course itself draws you in like a magnet. It has 2 Names ! 1.) HOPE. 2.)…

I finished the course HOPE, offered by Princeton (Edx). I completed 30 other MOOC before taking this one. This was the Captsone of the previous 30 MOOC. The title of the course itself draws you in like a magnet. It has 2 Names ! 1.) HOPE. 2.) Human Odyssey to Political Existentialism. As we age, we often wonder about what sets us apart as Humans, and brings us together is times of trial and suffering ?

Prof Uriel Abulof ("Uriel") is the front man of this talented team. They explore not only “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” but also “death, freedom, and the pursuit of meaning." This introductory class covers a large amount and wide variety of material. The course is broken down into Byte-size portions, to keep the student engaged. The lectures are sheer joy, and Uriel asks many dark Questions, only to answer them with the blazing noonday sun of truth with logic. He teaches us to Question and probe every age, stage, and phase of our life. He leaves no stone unturned. His lifetime of study is divided across every aspect of our life. His questions provoke the student to reflect deeply, to promote a better life.

This course uses many aspects of Multi-media, and is a rich buffet of new ideas. There are many new terms, concepts, definitions, and ideas introduced to challenge students, to seek out a true answer. Every aspect of the course is integrated, finely woven together. Lectures are reinforced with Music, songs, poetry, Essays, and quizzes. In the past, I often studied and prepared to Pass a Quiz. In this class, I just gave it my best shot. He doesn’t need a chalk board or Power Point slides to present his ideas. He delivers probing questions that make us reason, and see the light of day by contrast. This course is recommended to students of all ages. Each lesson is easy to digest, since you are learning about yourself. Fantastic !
Maria Ortiz

This course HOPE: Human Odyssey To Political Existentialism has ignited my interest in philosophy and political science. It has lead a path to self-discovery as well. Existentialism is finding meaning and purpose in this imperfect world. It is a phi…

This course HOPE: Human Odyssey To Political Existentialism has ignited my interest in philosophy and political science. It has lead a path to self-discovery as well. Existentialism is finding meaning and purpose in this imperfect world. It is a philosophical theory that emphasizes the freedom of choice of an individual to find his xpurpose and create his own destiny. Through this course, I was introduced to great thinkers like Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and Friedrich Nietzche among others. This very intensive course has related existentialism to freedom, love, death, faith and other concepts. This has made me realized that I am a human being who is capable of making my own choice in all aspects of life. This is a philosophy course and yet this is very practical. In the discussions and assignments, I was able to share my personal experiences as an educator, as a daughter, as a believer in God, as a member of a nation and as a human being.
The lectures by Prof. Uriel were so fascinating. I was looking forward to every lesson. The way he handled the course was so engaging.
I commend Princeton University for designing this course. It is my first time to enroll in an online course and among the many courses in EDX, HOPE was the one which caught my attention. I felt fulfilled that I was able to finish this course in spite of some personal concerns and limitations. Thank you so much, Princeton University and EDX for the intellectual engagement. To Prof. Uriel, I hope to meet you in person in the near future. God bless!
Himal Kunwar @himal07

It is a time-worth course but first, you would have to have little more than basic skills (if you are from non-English speaking nation) in English, especially in the field of philosophy. Overall, you can take time and learn this. If you don't understand, then repeat it.
Denis OSullivan

Absolutely outstanding! I have taken many many courses, both online and in class, this is one of the best, most provocative, most interesting, most insightful. Uriel is a fantastic lecturer and teacher, but more than that, he has clearly spend a hug…

Absolutely outstanding! I have taken many many courses, both online and in class, this is one of the best, most provocative, most interesting, most insightful. Uriel is a fantastic lecturer and teacher, but more than that, he has clearly spend a huge amount of time and energy in thinking about how best to communicate the ideas and questions to the students.

This course is for everyone. It's about life, why you're alive, what you want to achieve, and about how a lot of great thinkers have approached and answered these questions. It won't give you the "answer" - it will help you to ask yourself the same questions and find your own answers.

Only caveat: you will get out what you put in. The exercises are a vital part - if you skip them or put a 1-line answer, you may "complete" the course, but you will miss out.

Only weakness: there is very little discussion between students. I believe in large part this is because of the way the comments are presented, with the oldest on top rather than the most recent. So if you reply to a comment, it's going to be a reply to someone who took the course in the previous session and is no longer monitoring their comments. This seems such an easy fix, and for this course it could be really helpful.

But overall, I recommend this to everyone.
Anonymous

The course itself is structured in a way, regardless of the content, that it is engaging, stimulating, challenging, interesting and fun all at once. The content itself was fabulous. Critical, diverse, dynamic and fresh. I felt so mentally challenged in the way one wants to be challenged, on personal, collective, political and universal levels. I enjoyed every second. The music outros are great, the many questions and discussions are great, and the lectures also.
Zsoro @zsoro

Very intriguing and entertaining course weaving the viewer through the realms of philosophy, politics, art, literature, cinema, and music. Enjoyed the ideas and questions presented and the ways that they were. The primary purpose of this *odyssey* is to get you to think - to introspect and reflect upon your life and our world. And in that regard, it succeeds entirely.
Anonymous

An excellent course! The way all the videos combine songs, images, art, and films makes the understanding deep and adds a layer to our everyday lives. When philosophy and art are so well connected, the experience is truly enriching.
Anonymous

The course is a journey into humanity. No matter how much knowledge you think you have, in this course you will find interesting insights that will spark new reflections. At the very least, you will have become a better person after this course.
Anonymous

The structure of this course is innovative and very appealing, incorporating so much artwork and music videos. You could even say that the music videos are the foundation of the course. It is quite a bit of work. Each lesson takes 2-3 hours. Th…

The structure of this course is innovative and very appealing, incorporating so much artwork and music videos. You could even say that the music videos are the foundation of the course.

It is quite a bit of work. Each lesson takes 2-3 hours.

The downside, and this is probably true for all online courses, is the lack of feedback. There is nothing to stop you submitting facile answers to the many discussion questions. You can read a lot of other responses (but I bet this is rarely done); otherwise, there is nothing to challenge you or make you think more deeply. I am also not sure whether I could now summarize the key ideas or articulate what I've learned.

Having said that, it is a hugely interesting topic, presented with verve and is though-provoking, both from what the professor says directly and from the art and music.
Anonymous

הקורס הזה היה שונה מכל מה שלמדתי עד עכשיו באוניברסיטה. הוא לא נתן תשובות ברורות, אלא גרם לי לשאול שאלות – על עצמי, על החברה שאני חי בה, ועל החיים בכלל. דיברנו על מושגים כמו חירות, מוסר, משמעות, אהבה ותקווה – לא בצורה תיאורטית ויבשה, אלא דרך טקסטים, סרטים, שירים ודמויות מהחיים.

אהבתי במיוחד את הדרך שבה כל נושא התחבר לשאלות אישיות וגם פוליטיות. זה גרם לי לחשוב לא רק עם הראש, אלא גם עם הלב. התחושה הייתה שהמרצה באמת לוקח אותנו למסע – לא רק מלמד, אלא משתתף, מקשיב, ומעודד לחשוב אחרת.

הקורס דרש השקעה – בקריאה, בהקשבה, ובשיח – אבל לגמרי היה שווה את זה. יצאתי ממנו עם תחושת עומק, ועם הרבה מחשבות שאני עדיין מעבד. ממליץ עליו לכל מי שמוכן לצאת קצת מאזור הנוחות ולפגוש את עצמו מחדש.
Anonymous

מעולה ברמה שגורת לי לחשוב שהוא צריך להיות קורס חובה באוניברסיטה. מי שרוצה להפיק ממנו יכול להפיק ממנו המון. הקורס מושקע בטירוף וכולל רפרנסים ליצירות אומנות, מאמרים וסרטים חשובים ומשפיעים בתרבות שווה להכיר. את חלקם אגב לא הכרתי לפני ורשימת הקריאה והצפייה שלי התארכה חד משמעית אחרי הקורס. הוא היה כמעט תרפי עבורי.
Anonymous

A very thought-provoking course, unlike any other I have taken before. It is not a course with answers, but a course that prompts myself to think and reflect. To get the most out of it, you should do everything that is required/recommended: reading, video, discussion posts, assignments, quizzes, even additional resources, despite that there is no tracking of grading (other than the self-report). I think the more you put thoughts into this course, the more you benefit from it.
Anonymous

The HOPE course was truly incredible—I enjoyed every moment of it. It was deeply meaningful, engaging, and insightful. Throughout the course, I was introduced to various philosophical perspectives and diverse worldviews, gained valuable life lessons, and broadened my understanding in profound ways.
Yoav Peled

I approached this course with a touch of skepticism, but it quickly turned into a source of endless fascination. Many of the topics resonate deeply with my daily reflections, offering perspectives that feel both profoundly relevant and intellectually stimulating. The videos and materials strike a perfect balance—engaging, thought-provoking, and inspiring. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who sees themselves as a thoughtful, open-minded individual eager to explore and reflect on life’s deeper questions.
Anonymous

first ı started this course ı dont except too much thing. ı am at the carantine and ı was trying to find something to improve my english and adds me anything about being a human cause ı think especially in that time of the world we have to recall w…

first ı started this course ı dont except too much thing. ı am at the carantine and ı was trying to find something to improve my english and adds me anything about being a human cause ı think especially in that time of the world we have to recall what is worth living or is live worth living ?
Anyway ı started this course ı got so much pleasure ,knowledge but most important ı thought actually still thinking things ı havent thought before . Maybe ı felt them or they came to my mind but ı never thought them that systematic so it really broadened my perspective and in that there is a huge role of Uriel and other people who studied for this course. yes, the subject is so interesting but they made it so abyys and olsa so understandable . ı must say that ı really love the musics used and ı watched movie whic took place in that course. I recommend that course to my closest friends and someof them started , we all the time talk about it and it helps us to internalize it better. so thank u very much for that journey.
Anonymous

Just Great. this course touch the very core of a great and complicated ideas with a simple, understandable way who makes everyone think and seek for answers
Anonymous

It was an interesting and amazing course. There were challenging moments, but I definitely think I would recommend the course. It taught me a lot and greatly enriched my knowledge. I'm glad that thanks to the university, I found this course and I'm really happy with it. You learn and grow, and in addition, my English level improved a lot. I had a great time.