HOPE: What Makes Us Human from edX

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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

What, and how much, we may hope for
The tenets, thinkers, and concepts of existentialism
What distinguishes humans from animals and machines
The meanings of identity and authenticity and how they impact politics
The nexus between liberty, freedom, bad faith, and reflection

Types of happiness and the point of pursuing it—privately and publicly
The importance of death and dread in our lives
How people seek meaning and legitimacy through truth, morality, and religion
The interplay of love and alienation, and the use of both in politics

What, and how much, we may hope for
The tenets, thinkers, and concepts of existentialism
What distinguishes humans from animals and machines
The meanings of identity and authenticity and how they impact politics
The nexus between liberty, freedom, bad faith, and reflection
Types of happiness and the point of pursuing it—privately and publicly
The importance of death and dread in our lives
How people seek meaning and legitimacy through truth, morality, and religion
The interplay of love and alienation, and the use of both in politics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines existentialism, which is commonly found in literature, art, and philosophy

Taught by Uriel Abulof, who is a prominent philosopher and scholar of existentialism

Offered in partnership with Princeton University and Tel Aviv University, which are renowned for their academic excellence

Covers a wide range of topics relevant to human existence and the human condition

Emphasizes the importance of reflection and personal growth, which is a hallmark of existentialist thought

Requires no previous knowledge or experience, making it accessible to a wide audience

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in HOPE: What Makes Us Human with these activities:

Review Existentialism

Show steps

Refresh your knowledge of Existentialism to strengthen your foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Existentialism

Show steps

Review the definition and key concepts of Existentialism
Read articles and books on Existential thinkers and their ideas
Summarize the main arguments and positions of Existentialism

Read Albert Camus's The Stranger

Show steps

Immerse yourself in Camus's existentialist masterpiece to gain a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the course.

View The Outsider on Amazon

Show steps

Read the novel in its entirety
Identify the key existential themes and motifs in the novel
Analyze the protagonist's journey and its implications for existentialism
Write a critical essay exploring the novel's existentialist themes

Join a Study Group or Host a Discussion

Show steps

Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, deepen understanding, and gain diverse perspectives.

Browse courses on Existentialism

Show steps

Find or create a study group or discussion forum on existentialism
Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking thoughtful questions
Summarize key takeaways and reflect on the value of peer interactions

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Engage in Online Tutorials on Existentialist Ethics

Show steps

Supplement your understanding of existentialist ethics through guided tutorials to enhance your comprehension.

Browse courses on Moral Philosophy

Show steps

Identify online tutorials or courses on Existentialist Ethics
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and actively engaging with the material
Apply the concepts learned to real-life scenarios or current events

Volunteer at an Organization Related to Human Rights or Social Justice

Show steps

Connect your understanding of existentialism to real-world issues by volunteering in a relevant field.

Browse courses on Human Rights

Show steps

Research and identify organizations aligned with your interests
Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule
Record your experiences and reflect on the connection between existentialism and your volunteer work

Write a Blog Post on an Existentialist Topic

Show steps

Express and deepen your understanding of existentialism by creating a blog post that explores a specific topic.

Browse courses on Existentialism

Show steps

Choose an existentialist topic of interest
Research the topic thoroughly, drawing on course materials and additional sources
Craft a well-written and engaging blog post that presents your insights and analysis

Contribute to Open-Source Projects Related to Existentialism

Show steps

Apply your understanding of existentialism and computational thinking to contribute to open-source projects.

Browse courses on Existentialism

Show steps

Explore open-source projects related to existentialism or philosophy
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills and knowledge
Join the project community and collaborate with others
Make meaningful contributions to the project's development

Career center

Learners who complete HOPE: What Makes Us Human will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Philosopher

Philosophers analyze complex ideas and concepts using critical thinking, logical reasoning, and research. They may specialize in a subfield within philosophy, such as metaphysics, ethics, political philosophy, or the history of philosophy. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it explores fundamental questions about human nature, values, and existence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philosopher

College Professor

College professors teach and conduct research in their field of expertise. They may also advise students, write books and articles, and participate in conferences. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it provides a comprehensive overview of existentialism and its implications for human behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for College Professor

Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They may work as authors, journalists, copywriters, or editors. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it develops critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television and radio stations. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it develops research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil law, or corporate law. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it develops critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God and the relationship between God and humanity. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, seminaries, and religious organizations. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it explores the philosophical and existential questions that are central to religion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Theologian

Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and cultures. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, research institutions, and government agencies. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it provides a deep understanding of human nature and the factors that shape social behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Politician

Politicians hold elected office and create and enforce laws and policies. They may work at the local, state, or federal level. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it explores the ethical and philosophical foundations of political systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Politician

Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and research institutions. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it provides a deep understanding of human nature and the factors that shape cultural behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Social Worker

Social workers help people navigate social and economic challenges. They may work with individuals, families, groups, or communities. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it explores the social and psychological factors that influence human behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Religious Leader

Religious leaders provide spiritual guidance and support to their communities. They may work in a variety of settings, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it explores the philosophical and existential questions that are central to religion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Leader

Psychologist

Psychologists study the human mind and behavior. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and private practice. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it provides a deep understanding of human nature and the factors that influence behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Teacher

Teachers educate and support students in their academic and personal development. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges, and universities. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it provides a deep understanding of human nature and the learning process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Counselor

Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals and groups. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and private practice. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it explores the psychological and emotional factors that influence human behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Historian

Historians study the past and its impact on the present. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, and libraries. HOPE: What Makes Us Human may be useful for this career, as it provides a deep understanding of human nature and the factors that shape historical events.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian