Course content

The course gives a basic introduction to the history of Western philosophy, from Plato and Aristotle to the end of the 19th century (which includes the history of ethics as part of the history of philosophy). The course is based primarily on original texts by philosophers central to the Western philosophical tradition including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Hegel. The significance of these texts is explored further through the study of secondary literature and/or texts by less well-known philosophers.

The course-texts are taught in chronological order. There will be texts both in theoretical philosophy, such as metaphysics and epistemology, and in practical philosophy, such as ethics and political philosophy. The course will explore systematic connections between theoretical and practical philosophy (for instance, whether we have practical reasons for belief, or whether practical considerations require a theoretical grounding or epistemic evidence). The course also highlights how such conceptions are reinterpreted in the later philosophical tradition. Finally, the course addresses issues related to sex (e.g., how the understanding of sex changes historically and the role of women in the history of philosophy).

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome, defined as knowledge and skills:

Knowledge:

• has knowledge of crucial thoughts of thinkers central to the Western philosophical tradition.
• has knowledge of connections between metaphysical and epistemological positions, and ethical and political theories in the history of Western philosophy.
• has knowledge of how conceptions of nature, society, and human beings develop and change.

Skills:

• can read and analyze original texts from the history of philosophy (in translation).
• can consider and discuss the way different conceptions of reality, human nature, ethics and politics may mutually affect each other.
• can contextualize philosophical theories within a broader systematical and historical framework.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars and self-study.

The lectures cover and explain central aspects of the syllabus texts. The seminars give the students the opportunity to study select passages from syllabus texts in greater depth.

In order to sit the exam, an approved assignment is required. For more information on the obligatory activity, see Blackboard. The obligatory activity can only be approved the semester the course is taught, but is valid for this and the subsequent semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved obligatory activity

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions