printer friendly pagePHIL 317: Topics in Plato: Middle and Late Ethics & Politics
Examine the fundamentals of Plato's political philosophy by reading the Politics as well relevant parts of some of his other ethical and political works.
Last offered: Winter 2012
PHIL 318: Aristotle and the Object of Mathematical Reasoning (CLASSICS 315)
The concept of definition plays a central role in Aristotle's treatment of both philosophical and scientific inquiry, as well as explanation. A definition is an account of what something is, and some definitions are used to guide causal inquiry whereas others function as explanatory starting points. In this course we will examine texts from his logic, natural science and metaphysics in order to see what the different kinds of definition are, how they obtained, and how they are capture the nature or essence of a definable object. Particular attention will be given to the role of matter in the definition of the form of a natural substance, state, process or activity. For instance, what role does a specification of physiological processes play in the definitions of emotions such as anger? No knowledge of Greek is required. May be repeat for credit.
Last offered: Spring 2013
| Repeatable
3 times
(up to 12 units total)
PHIL 319: Topics in Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle on Knowledge and Action
Aristotle's views about substance and the nature and possibility of metaphysics. Focus is on
Categories and
Metaphysics Book Zeta.
Last offered: Winter 2013
PHIL 321: Leibniz's Metaphysics
Leibniz's metaphysical views during his so-called "mature period" (early 1680s to 1716). Topics will include Leibniz's conception of substance, his alleged idealism, his doctrine of possible worlds and his doctrine of pre-established harmony. Reading of the Discourse on Metaphysics (1686) and the correspondence with Arnauld (1686-1690).
Last offered: Spring 2011
PHIL 322: Hume
Hume's theoretical philosophy emphasizing skepticism and naturalism, the theory of ideas and belief, space and time, causation and necessity, induction and laws of nature, miracles, a priori reasoning, the external world, and the identity of the self.
Terms: Win
| Units: 2-4
Instructors:
De Pierris, G. (PI)
PHIL 323: Kant's Criticism of Metaphysics
Motivations and strategies of Kant's criticisms of traditional metaphysics in the
Critique of Pure Reason. Leibnizian and Wolffian versions of the concept containment theory of truth and the Wolffian ideal of a conceptual system of metaphysical knowledge. Kant's analytic/synthetic distinction, focusing on its place in the rejection of metaphysics and in arguments about the ideas of reason in the transcendental dialectic. Prerequisite: course on the first
Critique, or consent of instructor.
Last offered: Spring 2012
PHIL 324: Kant's System of Nature and Freedom
The aim is to acquire a sense of how the two main parts of Kant's philosophy, theoretical and practical, fit together. These two parts, according to the Critique of the Power of Judgment, concern the realm of nature and the realm of freedom respectively. We shall study parts of all three Critiques, along with appropriate supplementary materials. Prior acquaintance with both Kant's theoretical and his practical philosophy is presupposed.
Last offered: Spring 2013
PHIL 330: Social and Political Philosophy of Hegel and Marx (ETHICSOC 330R, POLISCI 330)
Last offered: Winter 2015
PHIL 332: Nietzsche
Preference to doctoral students. Nietzsche's later works emphasizing
The Gay Science, Beyond Good and Evil, and
On the Genealogy of Morals. The shape of Nietzsche's philosophical and literary projects, and his core doctrines such as eternal recurrence, will to power, and perspectivism. Problems such as the proper regulation of belief, and the roles of science, morality, art, and illusion in life.
Last offered: Autumn 2014
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