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Back to Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Unconscious

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Unconscious by The University of Edinburgh

4.7
stars
732 ratings

About the Course

A challenging but fascinating topic on the way to achieving self-knowledge is the unconscious. For well over a century, psychologists, philosophers, and many others have posited a level of mentality that is not immediately open to introspection; some would even say that certain unconscious elements cannot be known through introspection. This course will examine some of the most influential ideas about the unconscious starting with the work of Sigmund Freud, and follow the development of theories of the unconscious all the way to present research in experimental psychology. But be warned: some of the things you may learn about your unconscious mind may be surprising, and possibly even disturbing! --- This course was created by a partnership between The University of Edinburgh and Humility & Conviction and Public Life Project, an engaged research project based at the University of Connecticut and funded by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation....

Top reviews

DB

Oct 5, 2020

Wonderfully tied together, and certainly a lot more reading material provided - which I suspect will further enhance my understanding of the topic. Definitely a class that could help anyone.

IH

May 18, 2019

Amazing experience of blended learning. I think this course is a must do for anyone with a penchant for Neuroscience, Behavioral medicine and Phiolosophy. What are we; but rational beings.

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26 - 50 of 241 Reviews for Know Thyself - The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Unconscious

By Andrei S

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Feb 5, 2024

I thought it was awesome. The lectures were excellent and thought provoking. The assignments were relatively straightforward. I enjoyed more the assignments where you had to write your thoughts rather than the multiple choice questions. Though I'd vote to keep both for variety. I also really liked the Meditation pauses during every module. I think these were excellent and much needed. Only after I signed up I noticed that this was actually the second course of the series, though it can be done independently. I am considering signing up for the first one though looks like the third course was not yet released. Overall, excellent experience that I absolutely recommend.

By Carol A S

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Mar 20, 2023

Really excellent course and a great follow up to Part 1. It was pitched at just the right level for me, although I did have to go back and read the transcripts of some of the video lectures just to make sure I'd understood everything. I also appreciated all the extra materials that were made available.

Although it was very enjoyable, it was also quite challenging and thought provoking.

I highly recommend this course once you've done Part 1. I'm just disappointed that Part 3 hasn't appeared! I hope it will be coming soon.... Please?

By Aedrian A

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Jan 19, 2021

This is a great, albeit more challenging, follow-up to KT-TVLSK: The Examined Life. In this course, neuroscience and psychology take a bigger role as significant overlaps to philosophy in understanding the self - particularly that aspect which is thought to not be accessible to introspection. Professor Green seamlessly integrates these fields in the material. I strongly recommend devoting more time than you normally would in a MOOC for this course to get the most of it.

By Gabriel M

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Mar 26, 2021

This course makes an excellent job at summarizing the main points about psychoanalysis and the Unconscious, especially considering how short it is. After each lesson, I was left trying to apply each concept to my daily life: finding defense mechanisms in my own or other people's actions, finding meaning in apparently meaningless elements of my day, paying close attention to my emotional response to each situation… It was a wonderful experience.

By Nicole K

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Sep 6, 2020

There wasn't a moment in this course where I felt disengaged - the structure was very professional and relatable/understandable, the meditations really helped me focus on the tasks at hand, and the subject was incredibly interesting! I learned so much about myself and others and this knowledge is truly valuable for self-development and is very interesting to say the least. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone and everyone to take this course.

By Widiasatria U

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Oct 28, 2020

I found this course is so insightful to develop my self-knowledge as the way to gaining more positive mindset and the information is a valuable tool for assisting others. The presentation was engaging and packed with fascinating facts. Dr Green is easy to listen to-being knowledgable and the learning materials are excellent to guide me through this course. I hope that I can take other course related with this topic in near future

By Sandra H

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Sep 27, 2022

I absolutely loved this course and would have liked to contribute much more than I have been able to. I found it immersive, informative and it really challenged my beliefs. I thought the meditative moments throughout was really useful. Most of all, I learned lots of new techniques, terms, strategies. Mitch is an awesome professor and he was easy to engage with throughout. Thank you so much for offering this free course!!

By Richard M H

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Oct 11, 2020

I really enjoyed this course. I knew a bit about Freud and the unconscious prior to taking this course, but was very interested to hear new perspectives on Freud and to be introduced to other theorists who have developed and / or responded to his work. I took this course out of pure interest, but would recommend it to students who are studying Freud whether they be doing so from a humanities or social science perspective.

By Arash F

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Apr 7, 2022

A wonderful, exciting, informative, and insightful course on the unconscious! I especially liked how Professor Green put everything into perspective by comparing and contrasting the Freudian vision with the more updated scientific view of cuttent times. Moreover, the course is well-developed and organized in a clear and precise manner alongside meditative breaks from all the learning and studying! Highly recommended!

By Jasmin

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May 21, 2021

I really liked participating in the course, because I learnt of various aspects about the human unconscious and how every one's behavior is influenced by it. Very interesting was also that older as well as newer interpretations of the human psyche were analyzed. I expecially enjoyed the tasks to reflect upon oneself by meditating and analyzing past situations. Overall the course was very helpful and engaging.

By Rojan S

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Aug 28, 2020

One of the best courses in Coursera! The videos and lessons are very well presented by use of examples and animations which help to understand the topics clearly. This course is a must for those who have an interest and want to delve in philosophy and psychology particularly about the human mind.Finally, I would like to thank teacher Mitchell Green and The University of Edinburgh for this course.

By K C

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Jul 24, 2022

I have taken many other courses on Coursera, from various universities to achieve expanding my knowledge and I'm content with everything I've seen so far. The specific course it was the only one I completed so quickly. It was flowing smoothly, I enjoyed what I learned in every section and I didn't got tired, because every subsection was so short. Also, I liked very much the professor, Mr. Green.

By KEVIN A

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Jul 5, 2022

An excellent course for non-business majors. The course provided a great insight into decision making one takes for granted (the unconscious state of mind). It refocuses one to the things that are important but variously overlooked.

My profound gratitude to Prof Mitchell Green. Your mastery of the subject, amiable and professional delivery of the program sustained my interest throughout.

By Rachel S

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Jan 20, 2021

I feel like I learned so much in this MOOC, but it was never painful. There are a lot of checkpoints in the course that allowed me to reflect on and apply the material. The small chunks of information delivery and review really helped me solidify my understanding.

Additionally, the visuals and Mitchell Green's speaking style helped me to stay focused.

By Federica T

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Aug 29, 2021

A very interesting course, with a good balance between theoretical and practical knowledge. I loved the meditative moments. I would ask Professor Green to slow down his speaking rhythm a bit, because for an Italian student like me, especially when the concepts he expounds are very dense, it becomes difficult to fully appreciate what he is saying.

By Robert B

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Aug 29, 2020

I really enjoyed the course. I practice mindfulness, so the meditative moments were a real bonus. Now I know how to Bamboo Breathe.

I was especially interested in the part about somatic markers and the suggestion to observe the reactions. Again this relates to mindfulness.

Dr. Mitchell Green presented the material in a clear and interesting manner.

By Priti S

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Sep 11, 2020

It is a course that made me thankful of my sixth sense -prorprioception ,something we all take for granted.The idea of pshycological immunity and somatic markers has made me more aware of my actions and what might be influencing them and how I may be responding. Coupled with mindfulness it is an extraordinary way to meet myself.

By Marieta C

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Mar 23, 2021

A very knowledgeable and charismatic lecturer who leads you through the hard-to-understand concepts with expertise and ease and makes it all seem very manageable.

A deep and pleasant journey meeting intellectual challenges on the way, perfectly structured units.

Highly recommend the course!

And a big thank you, professor Green!

By Ilse d Y C

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Feb 26, 2021

Wonderfully and very creatively organised. The duration is perfect for "course-binging" if you're a Psychology nerd/enthusiast. Was very happy to see a diverse array of authors that stood on Freud's shoulders in order to broaden his ideas on the unconscious. I highly recommend this class!

(Thank you very much, Dr. Green!)

By CHOO L Y

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May 20, 2021

Prof explained everything in details, also offer explanation on comparison from different perspective. Point out the good things to refer and also the contradict point that remain reserved for all the theory and module. Enjoyed the lesson very much. Content, informative and enjoyable.

By Iva

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Feb 13, 2021

I love new knowledge and information, so I'm giving 5 stars because I've learnt new things, the classes were neither too long, nor boring; There was a moderate information flow. Definitely could be absorbed also by people who just start digging deeper into the unconscious processes.

By LJ D

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Nov 22, 2021

Really excellent delivery. I would describe it as aimed at an 'advanced beginner'. There are some complex concepts being talked about here and what makes it accessible is Professor Green's delivery.

Really great to get stuck into and an excellent use of time.

Thank you very much

By Yang A W

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Sep 11, 2022

A very insightful course that sheds light on our automatic behaviors that are driven by what lies within the unconscious. It contains pratical ideas which one can easily relate to one's own day-to-day experiences and thus apply them with improved awareness of the Self.

By Pam L

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Sep 22, 2021

I so enjoyed this course! I learned so much, and relearned that much more! I fully enjoyed each video and appreciated that each offered a transcript to review. The meditative moments were a nice retreat and thoughtful! Thank you Professor Green! You rock! :)

By James M

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Nov 13, 2020

I took this course for an introduction to the Unconscious mind. The videos were excellent. The supplementary readings were excellent for exploring further all of the topics. I learned a lot about the various aspects of the mind that I had never known.