Admission requirements
Good comprehension of English.
Description
Most people are comfortable using character ascriptions in everyday conversation. We willingly attribute actions to some trait or other; kindness, cruelty, generosity and so on. In recent years, though, some philosophers have given a critique of characterological language based on the empirical findings from social psychology. This body of evidence seems to suggest that to a surprising extent our actions are the product of seemingly irrelevant situational factors. In this course we will systematically explore the situationist critique and assess it’s impact on our everyday understanding of character and behaviour.
Course objectives
Course objectives will be posted on Blackboard by the start of the course.
Timetable
Tuesday, 9:00-12:00
See Collegeroosters Wijsbegeerte 2011-2012 , Master’s Programmes in Philosophy (Dutch website)
See Timetables Philosophy 2011-2012 , Master’s Programmes in Philosophy (English website)
Mode of instruction
Seminar.
Assessment method
Oral presentation and paper.
Blackboard
Yes
Reading list
John Doris, Lack of Character
Additional readings on Blackboard.
Registration
Please register for this course on uSis.
Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.
Contact information
Remarks
Specialisation (MA Philosophy): Ethics and Politics
Specialisations (MA Philosophy of a Specific Discipline): Philosophy of Humanities, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Political Science, Philosophy of Medical Sciences