Tutor information
Martin Ovens
Born and educated in Wales, Martin Ovens (Wolfson College, Oxford) has taught courses in philosophy and religious studies since 1997, first for Cardiff University and then for OUDCE from 2005. He is the Editor of Culture and Dialogue, an international, peer reviewed journal of cross-cultural philosophy (published by Brill). His research is based on interest in the relationship between skepsis and creativity. Among his publications are papers on comparative philosophy, scepticism and aesthetics. Current projects include work on Owen Barfield and political philosophy.
Courses
We explore how the author and sage Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) developed, maintained and expressed his philosophical ideas and commitments. Engaging topics from art to Gandhi, we discuss the nature, influence and contemporary significance of his quest.
What is Zen? Why did it become popular in the West? From the Buddha to Japan and North America, we explore the origin, content, development, flourishing and influence of Zen via engagement with various philosophical themes and problems.
With emphasis on 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' and his concept of a 'versificator,' we explore George Orwell's relevance and relations to contemporary society and the philosophy of Artificial Intelligence.