An introductory course to some of the key figures, problems and themes in the philosophy of Enlightenment from Descartes to Kant. Thematic focus: the concept of Reason as articulated in the theories of knowledge and morality in the above thinkers, understood as responses to the problematic of modernity.
Method of instruction
Lectures (hoorcollege) with time left over for discussion.
Examination
Mid-semester take-home exam (40%), and final take-home (60%).
Required reading
· Reader with excerpts from primary and secondary literature.
· Descartes, R., Meditations on first philosophy. ed. Cottingham (CUP 1996). ISBN: 0 521 55818 2.
· Spinoza, Ethics, ed.& transl. Parkinson (OUP 2003). ISBN: 0 19 875214 8
Admission requirements
None
Timetable
see Rooster BA1-programma 2008-2009
Registration
Please register for this course on U-twist. See registration procedure
Information
dr. H.W. Siemens ( h.w.siemens@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Remarks
Lectures will be in English, although Dutch can be used for exams and contributions in class.
The course is available as elective.