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
Students gain in-depth and detailed knowledge (including terminology, theory and methodology) in various aspects of history of philosophy. Students gain also knowledge of different philosophical genres, and main philosophers. Students gain knowledge of American philosophical tradition. Students understand the relevance of philosophical reflections to everyday
political, social and cultural issues.
a) knowledge
Upon completing this course a student has an introductory theoretical knowledge of the history of philosophy, knows basic terminology connected with the history of philosophy, has an in-depth knowledge of the place and meaning of different schools and methods connected with the study of philosophy, knows advanced methods and research tools used to describe this phenomenon, recognized the dynamics and consequences of changes in understanding of the past, understands the phenomenon of structuring the philosophical tradition, knows the history of philosophy understands the role of the history of philosophy in American culture, recognized the dynamics and consequences of changes in understanding of the past and is aware of the comprehensive nature of the history of philosophy not only in America but also in the world.
b) skills
Upon completing this course a student is able to research and analyse different theories, has advanced interdisciplinary analysis skills and is able to use those skills to prepare an academic article or presentation, identifies and recognizes
relations between different theories and political choices, formulates research hypotheses and evidences them basing on knowledge, formulates his or her own judgments concerning American Thought and the way how it is understood in the
United States, critically analyses and interprets various proposition concerning the history of philosophy formulates critical arguments on topics related to the way how the American Thought is understood, has an ability to prepare a debate concerning the history and the way how it is interpreted employing theoretical skills
c) social competences
Upon completing this course a student is able to cooperate and work in a group, performing and preparing the debate, is able to properly plan and undertake research, understand the importance of solid research for a citizen of a democratic country, understands and appreciates the role of collaboration for successful participation in the life in the Unites States, understands the importance of social activity and critical in the USA, demonstrates respect for different opinions and
understanding of democratic debate and actively participates in it, understands the need for continuous learning in the area of history und culture, completes and improves his or her knowledge of contemporary life and social development.
Assessment criteria
Participation in class, final test.
Bibliography
W. Barrett, Irrational Man
R. Descartes, Discourse on Method
J. Dewey, Experience and Education
C. Geertz, Interpretation of Cultures
P. Hadot, Philosophy as a Way of Life
A. J. Heschel. No Religion is an Island
W. James, Varieties of Religious Experience
Ph. Kitcher, The Main Enterprise
J. Locke, A Letter about Toleration
M. Nussbaum, Not for Profit
M. Nussbaum, The Monarchy of Fear
Th. Paine, The Age of Reason
Plato, Apology, Phaedrus, The Seventh Letter
B. Spinoza, Theological-Theological Treatise
CH. Taylor, Varieties of Religion Today
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: