During the first half of the Spring semester, Prof. David Sobel will conduct a reading group on defenses and criticisms of Neo-Humean theories of practical rationality. Likely readings include (parts of) Mark Schroeder’s Slaves of the Passions, Michael Smith’s The Moral Problem, and texts by Niko Kolodny (such as “Why Be Rational?”), Derek Parfit, Philippa Foot, Bernard Williams, and others.
Students who would like to receive credits for their participation in the reading group should enroll in this course, which complements the reading group. Prof. Pauline Kleingeld will provide an introduction to the issues under consideration in the reading group, as well as additional class meetings during the second half of the semester. The latter part of the course will focus on the relation between theories of practical rationality and normative ethics.
Method of instruction
Seminar
Examination
Oral presentation, research paper
Required reading
See above; readings will be made available via Blackboard site.
Timetable
see Timetable Research Master in Philosophy 2008-2009
Registration
Please register for this course via U-twist. See registration procedure
Information
prof.dr. P. Kleingeld (p.kleingeld@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Remarks
Specialisation: Practical Rationality
Compulsory for students in specialisation Practical Rationality.
Optional course for specialisation Rationality and the Scientific Mind