In this lecture, Professor David McPherson (University of Florida – Philosophy) will explore the place of philosophy in a well-lived human life. He will argue that it is a fundamentally important human endeavor – rather than merely an academic discipline – and when properly pursued as a way of life it can be a humanizing endeavor. He will show how philosophy begins from an experience of bewilderment or alienation, and also how it can further contribute to this alienation through putting our life-orienting beliefs into question. But he will contend that ultimately philosophy should seek to offer a therapy for such alienation through seeking wisdom, that is, holistic understanding that provides us with a meaningful life-orientation toward the good.