Avoiding 'Bullshit,' Burnout, and Alienation: A Philosophical Guide to Purposeful Work
Work has an unrivaled influence on our lives. It can shape our moods, self-perception, and overall life satisfaction. Good work can imbue our lives a profound sense of purpose, while negative work experiences can throw us into serious crises of meaning and identity. In this lecture, Professor Blaschko, a leading scholar in the Philosophy of Work, will explore the challenges and potential rewards of pursuing reflective work lives. Drawing on timeless wisdom from Stoic philosophy along with modern insights, he will shed light on three primary barriers to flourishing at work: "bullshit" tasks, burnout, and alienation. Join us to learn how philosophical thinking can help you lead a healthy, fulfilling, and integrated work life throughout your college years and beyond.
Paul Blaschko
Assistant teaching professor of philosophy and director of the Sheedy Family Program in Economy, Enterprise, and Society
College of Arts and Letters
About the Lecturer
I'm a philosopher, educator, and author.
I’m an assistant teaching professor philosophy at the university of Notre Dame, where I teach courses I’ve designed on big questions and the philosophy of work. I recently co-authored a book published by Penguin Press about how philosophy can help us live better lives. I now direct a program in Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters devoted to exploring how the humanities can help us find meaning in work. And I consult with professors across the country about how to create better, more innovative philosophy courses.
My favorite philosopher is Elizabeth Anscombe.
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