Description
We will read the first three books of Locke’s Essay, which deal with metaphysics, philosophy of mind and philosophy of language. Questions that will be raised: Are there any innate ideas, or is there an empirical origin of all our ideas? If all ideas have an empirical origin, as Locke thinks, how do we get such ideas as that of mathematical figures, or of God? And, what are Ideas?
There will also be time to read secondary literature from the recently published Cambridge Companion to Locke’s Essay (ed. Lex Newman). For the second week of the course students have to read the first book (page 43 – 103).
Teaching method
Seminar
Admission requirements
BA degree in Philosophy
Course objectives
Course objectives will be made available on Blackboard at the start of the course.
Required reading
John Locke, An Essay concerning Human Understanding. Ed. P.H. Nidditch, Clarendon Press, Oxford.
Test method
Paper
Time table
See: Timetable MA Philosophy
Information
Dr. M.S. van der Schaar (m.v.d.schaar@phil.leidenuniv.nl
Registration
Please register for this course on U-twist. See registration procedure
Blackboard
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Remarks
Specialisation: Theoretical Philosophy / History of Philosophy