History of American Philosophy 4219-AW015-AM
There are many ways to present the history of philosophy, for example, as the history of human reflection on the most important aspects of human existence, or, like analysis of different forms of language adopted to these reflections.
Usually, one starts with Greek philosophy, and its Jewish, Christian and Muslim adaptations. We might also refer to the intellectual tradition of the far East, especially, China and India.
We will give up historical details and sophisticated philosophical language. In the spirit of American Pragmatism we will try to answer some fundamental questions, like: what is philosophy, what are the methods of making philosophy, what we gain in dealing with philosophical thinking, Philosophy in politics, media, religion etc. In the last par of the course the thought of some philosophers will the presented, who shape the way we see reality.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student:
KNOWLEDGE:
Understands:
- issues related to the history of philosophy concerning the United States.
- various perspectives on the history of philosophy in the USA and worldwide, along with their interdisciplinary contexts.
- the role of knowledge in understanding the past and contemporary social, cultural, and political processes in the United States.
- the role of religion and its interpretations in American culture.
- the representatives of American philosophy who shape the contemporary perception of reality in the USA.
Assessment criteria
Participation in class, final test.
Bibliography
Hadot P., Philosophy as a Way of Life
Geertz, Interpretation of Cultures
Plato, Apology, Phaedrus, The Seventh Letter
Augustin, Confession
Deakin M., Hypatia of Alexandria
Descartes, Discourse on Method
Locke, A Letter about Toleration
Spinoza, Theological-Theological Treatise
Ch. Hitchens, Thomas Paine
Dewey J., Experience and Education
James W., Varieties of Religious Experience
Taylor Ch., Varieties of Religion Today
Ong W., Were We Are Now
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: