To commit means to take a position in a situation in relation to goals, values, actions, and other people in such a way that doing so shapes the future actions and possibilities of oneself and others. We will explore commitment as a mode of orientation, asking what we do when we commit, and how commitment shapes our actions, values, relationships, and identities over time. What is commitment? What mental, social, and practical processes does it involve? What happens when we break, revise, or struggle to uphold a commitment? Via the philosophy of orientation and drawing on psychology and comparative cognition, participants will investigate how emotions, habits, and social norms sustain or destabilize commitment over time. We will explore commitment through the themes of:
- A phenomenology of commitment
- The evolution of species
- Commitment in social contexts and communication
- Individual decision-making and personal coherence
- The automation of commitment into routines
- Moral commitments and societal norms
- Orientation, identity, and the virtues of commitment
Sign up for our new seminar on Commitment and Orientation, beginning September 11, 2025. Led by Prof. John Michael and Dr. Angelica Kaufmann, this free, discussion-based seminar meets weekly on Zoom, Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (US Central Time). Participation is free, but space is limited. Apply by September 2, 2025 here on our website.