Early Modern Philosphy Course Outline
THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Undergraduate Course Outline 2011-12 Philosophy 2202F: Early Modern Philosophy Previously Philosophy 211F/G
Summer Term 2012 Online - Distance Studies Instructor: Ryan Middleton Office StH 4136 Office hours: online, Tues & Thurs 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. and by appointment email: rmiddle8@uwo.ca
DESCRIPTION This course introduces students to the Early Modern Period by way of the philosophers whose writings were influential during that time. For our purposes, the Early Modern Period shall extend from the European discovery of the Americas in 1492 until the end of the French Revolution in 1799. We will be investigating two streams of thought in this period. First, we will look at Early Modern metaphysics and epistemology, focusing on Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. And second, we will examine the political theory emerging at the time, particularly in the writings of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. TEXTS The following editions are recommended, though public domain editions can be found online: Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy, (Hackett, 2003). Hobbes, Leviathan, (Penguin, 1981). Rousseau, Social Contract, (Penguin, 1968). The following online texts will be used (www.gutenberg.com): Berkeley, Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous. Hume, Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Locke, Second Treatise of Government. Locke, Essay Concerning Human Understanding. OBJECTIVES Students completing this course will better understand the contributions made by Early Modern thought to the development of the modern world. Students will understand the connection between the intellectual issues that were debated and the historical events that occurred. Moreover, students will have examined a critical period in the history of philosophy, one that laid the foundations for many of the ideas prevalent in contemporary thought. ISBN 0872201929 ISBN 0140431950 ISBN 0140442014
REQUIREMENTS 6 Quizzes (~10 mins.): 2
Summer Term 2012 Online - Distance Studies Instructor: Ryan Middleton Office StH 4136 Office hours: online, Tues & Thurs 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. and by appointment email: rmiddle8@uwo.ca
DESCRIPTION This course introduces students to the Early Modern Period by way of the philosophers whose writings were influential during that time. For our purposes, the Early Modern Period shall extend from the European discovery of the Americas in 1492 until the end of the French Revolution in 1799. We will be investigating two streams of thought in this period. First, we will look at Early Modern metaphysics and epistemology, focusing on Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. And second, we will examine the political theory emerging at the time, particularly in the writings of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. TEXTS The following editions are recommended, though public domain editions can be found online: Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy, (Hackett, 2003). Hobbes, Leviathan, (Penguin, 1981). Rousseau, Social Contract, (Penguin, 1968). The following online texts will be used (www.gutenberg.com): Berkeley, Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous. Hume, Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Locke, Second Treatise of Government. Locke, Essay Concerning Human Understanding. OBJECTIVES Students completing this course will better understand the contributions made by Early Modern thought to the development of the modern world. Students will understand the connection between the intellectual issues that were debated and the historical events that occurred. Moreover, students will have examined a critical period in the history of philosophy, one that laid the foundations for many of the ideas prevalent in contemporary thought. ISBN 0872201929 ISBN 0140431950 ISBN 0140442014
REQUIREMENTS 6 Quizzes (~10 mins.): 2