Historical survey of philosophy Early Modern and Contemporary Periods

Academic year: 2010-2011 Course code module FLWFA02500 Semester: 2nd semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 30,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1/2 Instructor(s) André Cloots Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: exam in the 2nd semester Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties No specific knowledge is required. Since this course is taught in the second semester, it builds upon the philosophical knowledge acquired in the first semester. *Sequentiality None 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) The aim is to acquire a general insight into modern and contemporary philosophy -  its main themes, authors, problems, insights and links - which can serve as a basic framework for more specialised courses later on. 3. Course content The guideline is the topic of "modernity and rationality". Starting with Descartes as the beginning of modern philosophy, up to Jean-François Lyotard as the most typical representative of postmodernism, the course investigates how the main movements and philosophers throughout those 400 years of history of philosophy have reflected upon the nature, the status, the possibilities and the limits of rationality, and thus of philosophy itself, both in its practical and its theoretical shape. At the same time it is made clear how these reflections are at once a continuous reflection on the foundations of our culture as a whole. 4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures 5. Assessment method Exam: Oral, with written preparation Open questions Written assignment: With oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material A handout is made available (edited by Acco) 7. Recommended reading - study material It is necessary to have a book on the history of philosophy near at hand. As indicated in the handout, there are plenty of them. An interesting one is J. Bor & S. Teppema, "25 eeuwen filosofie" (Boom - many reprints). 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 16/01/2009 14:44 hanna.goossens