Modern Philosophy 3501-DAO2MF
The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the central themes in the history of Western philosophy from Renaissance to the first half of the 19th century. The focus will be on topics in metaphysics, epistemology and philosophy of mind, but also some important themes in moral and political philosophy will be covered. The leading philosophers of the modern era, notably Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Hume, Kant and Hegel, present extreme difficulties to the contemporary reader and interpreter, so a special attention will be paid to their works. During the tutorial selected texts will be read and discussed. In the case of authors writing in Latin, French and German we shall use English translations, but sometimes it will be necessary to consult original texts.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: student (1) knows and understands the historical character of the development of philosophical ideas; (2) knows the views and arguments of selected modern authors on the basis of lecture and own reading of their works.
Skills: student (1) analyses philosophical arguments, identifies key theses and assumptions of modern philosophers; (2) reconstructs various types of argumentation and identifies their presuppositions.
Social competence: student (1) is aware of the meaning of the European philosophical heritage for the development of social relations.
Assessment criteria
Oral exam covering the themes of both tutorial and lecture.
Bibliography
Full reading list will be given on the first meeting.