Description
Ancient philosophers have an ambiguous attitude towards the history of their discipline: past masters provide them with authoritative texts; they compile surveys of philosophical positions to create aporiai, or as ammunition against opponents. They construe the development of philosophy as progress or decline, depending on the role philosophers picture for themselves. Since the birth of history as an academic discipline in the 18th century modern philosophers have developed philosophies of history and continue business as usual without being bothered by scholarly concerns –whereas professional historians of philosophy tend to happily disregard philosophies of history altogether.
Every reason then, to assess the claim that western philosophy is deeply historical, while historical scholarship is often ignored. What is going on here? A number of relevant ancient texts and modern reflections on (the history of) ancient philosophy serve as starting-points for discussion.
Teaching method
Introductory lectures
Student presentations
Independent study of academic literature
Admission requirements
BA Philosophy, Classics or History
Course objectives
Course objectives will be made available on Blackboard at the start of the course.
Required reading
To be announced
Test method
Class presentation
Paper
Time table
See: Timetable MA Philosophy
Information
prof. dr. F.A.J. de Haas ( f.a.j.de.haas@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Registration
Please register for this course on U-twist. See registration procedure
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for materials and handouts in advance.
Remarks
Specialisation: History of Philosophy