Admission requirements
This course is only open to students in the MA Philosophy of Knowledge programme.
Description
The idea of infinity has played an important role in Western philosophy ever since the pre-Socratics. It has been understood as the unlimited, boundless, immeasurable, and as such was at the centre of Zeno’s paradoxes of motion, of questions about the eternity of the world, and of foundational problems in the philosophy of mathematics. But it has also been understood as the complete, whole, absolute, perfect and self-sufficient; and it is as such that it has exercised not only the theological imagination, but also all philosophical attempts to understand and deal with our own finitude and contingency.
Perhaps most fundamentally, the infinite seems to push human understanding to its limit: the infinite is precisely that which our finite intellect cannot grasp. But by making that very statement, we seem to have grasped the infinite. We thus come face to face with a paradox inherent in any attempt to think through our own finite nature.
In this course, we will pursue the infinite across space and time. Using Adrian Moore’s book The Infinite as our core text, and supplementing this with shorter texts from a wide range of authors, we will delve into the history of the topic; explore the adventurous world of the mathematics of the infinite; and consider the implications of the infinite on our own status as finite intellects.
We will pay special attention to Kant, Wittgenstein and recent analytic work on infinity in physics, mathematics, and rationality, while Moore's book will also introduce us to the somewhat unlikely trio of Hegel-Spinoza-Nietzsche. Of course we will take care to uncover and understand the links between these very disparate thinkers.
Our readings will be varied and require a solid background in philosophy. No mathematical background is required, but one must be prepared to spend a non-trivial amount of time on the conceptual aspects of mathematical infinity. (If fear of maths might dissuade you from taking this course – and it probably shouldn't – contact me and we’ll discuss it.)
Course objectives
This course aims to give students a detailed insight into the ways that thinking about infinity has shaped and continues to shape philosophical reflection. In particular it aims to introduce students both to mathematical and metaphysical conceptions of infinity and the ways that they elucidate our own status as finite thinkers.
Students who successfully complete this course will have a good understanding of:
mathematical theories of the infinite and their place in contemporary philosophy;
metaphysical ideas of the infinite, and how they have shaped metaphysical reflection;
the meta-philosophical significance of reflections on the infinite.
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
explain a variety of theories and ways of thinking about the infinite and explore connections between them;
apply these ideas in contemporary debates and draw well-argued philosophical conclusions from them;
fruitfully discuss these ideas with fellow students;
independently search out and read academic articles, and both present these readings in class and write a substantial, original paper based on them.
Timetable
The timetables are available through MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminars.
Class attendance is required.
Assessment method
Assessment
Class attendance and active participation is required for admission to the exam. In principle, only two classes can be missed.
Midterm mini papers (20%);
Class presentation (10%);
Final paper (70%).
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by (i) determination of the weighted average combined with (ii) additional requirements. The class presentation must have received at least a passing grade.
Resit
The resit covers the following exam component: final paper (100%). The mark for the resit replaces any partial result. Active participation in class, and a passing grade for the class presentation, are required for admission to the resit.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
- A. W. Moore, The Infinite (3rd edition). Please make sure you have this book by the beginning of the course.
Other texts will be announced during the course.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Huizinga.
Remarks
Not applicable.