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Academic Year 2005/2006

Post-Kantian European Philosophy
PHIL 258 SP
Crosslistings:
SISP 281

In this study of 19th- and 20th-century philosophy in Europe (primarily France and Germany), special attention will be devoted to the interpretation of science, and its significance for understanding the world as distinctly modern and ourselves and the world as natural (or as transcending nature). Related topics include the scope and limits of reason, the role of subjectivity in the constitution of meaning, the conception of ethics and politics in a science-centered culture, and the problems of comprehending historical change. Philosophers to be read include Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Husserl, Heidegger, Habermas, and Foucault. The course is designed to introduce students to a very difficult but widely influential philosophical tradition and will emphasize close reading and comparative interpretation 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, ONE MORE TURN AFTER THE SOCIAL TURN

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three take-home essay exams.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

There is no specific prerequisite for this course but the readings are very difficult. Prior work in philosophy, social or political theory, literary theory, or science studies 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-30-2006

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