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Academic Year 2000/2001

Philosophical Classics III: Science and the Modern World
PHIL 203 SP
Crosslistings:
SISP 281

In this study of major texts by 19th- and 20th-century philosophers in France and Germany, special attention will be devoted to the interpretation of science and its significance for understanding the world as distinctly modern and for understanding ourselves and the world as natural. Related topics include the scope and limits of reason, the place of subjectivity in the constitution of meaning and the problems of comprehending historical change. Philosophers to be read may include Kant, Hegel, Ma rx, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Habermas, Foucault, and Latour. The course is designed to introduce students to a very difficult but widely influential philosphical tradition and will emphasize close reading of texts.

MAJOR READINGS

Kant, WHAT IS ENLIGHTENMENT? Hegel, PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPIRIT (selections) Marx, selected writings (McLellan, ed.) Nietzsche, TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS Husserl, PHENOMENOLOGY AND THE CRISIS IN PHILOSOPHY Heidegger, selections from BASIC WRITINGS and BEING AND TIME Habermas, "Technology and Science as 'Ideology'" in TOWARDS A RATIONAL SOCIETY Foucault, FOUCAULT READER (selections) Latour, WE HAVE NEVER BEEN MODERN

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three or four take-home essay exams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

There is no specific prerequisite for this course but the readings are exceptionally difficult and prior work in philosophy, social or political theory or literary theory is strongly recommended before taking this course.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001

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