| Course: | Philosophy 272:01 Modern Western Philosophy |
| Time: | Spring 2004, TR, 9:45-11:00. |
| Location: | North Court 101 |
| Instructor: | Geoff Goddu, x8733 or 330-2904 (absolutely no later than 10 pm!) |
| Office Hours: | TR: 11:00-12:15; W: 9:30-10:15; and by appointment. North Court 215. |
Text: Modern Philosophy, Roger Ariew and Eric Watkins, eds.
Description: Philosophy 272 is a survey of philosophical
developments in Western Europe from 1600 to 1800. The focus shall
be on six philosophers, René Descartes, Gottlieb Leibniz,
Baruch Spinoza, John Locke, David Hume, and Immanuel Kant with
emphasis on their metaphysical and epistemological theories.
For each philosopher the goal is to develop in students the ability
to (i) extract interesting theories and arguments from the philosopher's
texts; (ii) understand the theories and arguments; (iii) understand
how the philosopher's ideas arose within the historical context;
(iv) explain clearly, concisely, and cogently the theories and
arguments; and (v) evaluate the theories and arguments.
Philosophy 272 is required for both the major and minor in philosophy.
Its purpose is to give students the background necessary for more
in-depth study in philosophy and the history of ideas. Philosophy
272 satisfies the Fields of Study-Historical Studies General Education
Requirement.
| Requirements: | 10 Short Papers | 40% |
| Mid-term Exam | 30% | |
| Final Exam: | 30% |
Honor Code: Satisfaction of all requirements must be your own individual and independent work and must satisfy the conditions of the honor pledge.
Attendance: Every unexcused absence will result in a deduction of 1% from the total grade achieved satisfying the class requirements. You are responsible for all assigned material.
Provisional Schedule: [Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are due at the beginning of class!]
| Day | Date | Topics | Requirements Due |
| 1 | T 1/13 | Introduction | |
| 2 | R 1/15 | Descartes | pp. 12-30 |
| 3 | T 1/20 | Descartes | pp. 30-34; SP #1 |
| 4 | R 1/22 | Descartes | pp. 34-45 |
| 5 | T 1/27 | Descartes | pp. 45-48; SP #2 |
| 6 | R 1/29 | Descartes | pp. 48-55 |
| 7 | T 2/3 | Spinoza | pp. 97-99; pp. 129-136 |
| 8 | R 2/5 | Spinoza | pp. 129-149; SP #3 |
| 9 | T 2/10 | Spinoza | pp. 149-172 |
| 10 | R 2/12 | Spinoza | pp. 172-180; SP #4 |
| 11 | T 2/17 | Leibniz | pp. 181-183; pp. 229-243. |
| 12 | R 2/19 | Leibniz | pp. 229-243; SP #5 |
| 13 | T 2/24 | Leibniz | pp. 184-207 |
| 14 | R 2/26 | Leibniz | pp. 184-207 |
| 15 | T 3/2 | Locke | pp. 259-260; pp. 270-276; Exam Due |
| 16 | R 3/4 | Locke | pp. 276-295; 312-320; SP #6 |
| Spring Break | |||
| 17 | T 3/16 | Locke | pp. 339-345; 358-367 |
| 18 | R 3/18 | Locke | pp. 301-310; SP #7 |
| 19 | T 3/23 | Hume | pp. 483-485; pp. 491-502 |
| 20 | R 3/25 | NO CLASS | |
| 21 | T 3/29 | Hume | pp. 502-512; SP #8 |
| 22 | R 4/1 | Hume | pp. 512-522 |
| 23 | T 4/6 | Hume | pp. 522-543; SP #9 |
| 24 | R 4/8 | Hume | pp. 543-557 |
| 25 | T 4/13 | Kant | pp. 573-578; pp. 641-649 |
| 26 | R 4/15 | Kant | pp. 649-658; SP #10 |
| 27 | T 4/20 | Kant | pp. 662-672 |
| 28 | R 4/22 | Kant | pp 703-715; pp. 734-737 |