Metaphysics & Epistemology: from Parmenides to Levinas (2026/2027: Semester 1 – Fall)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:
  • recall the history of theoretical philosophy in a general outline from Antiquity to the mid 20th century, [LG1]
  • identify the central tenets of thought of key philosophers, [LG2]
  • explain the central issues of metaphysics and epistemology, as they are raised in the texts set for the course, [LG3]
  • present a philosopher’s arguments and comment on them in writing, [LG4]
  • participate in critical discussions of philosophical questions. [LG5]

Vakinhoudelijk

‘All human beings by nature desire to know’ — these are the opening words of Aristotle’s Metaphysics. In the history of Western thought, the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, whether theoretical or practical, is called philosophy. As a curriculum subject, philosophy is unlike the sciences: it cannot be read adequately by taking cognizance of the latest results or of the way it is practiced today, but requires a mastery of its development. If a notion like ‘progress’ is applicable to philosophy at all, its meaning will differ considerably from that in scientific progress. The appropriate way to study philosophy then, is to address it both systematically and historically.

The present course is a historical introduction that concentrates on two branches of philosophy, viz. ontology or metaphysics, and epistemology. This allows the exploration of issues that lie at the heart of the development of Western thought. A wide range of notions are dealt with, e.g. substance and accident; existence and being; subject and object; idea, nowledge, and certainty; causality, necessity, and freedom. This systematic emphasis will be supported by Jean Grondin's historical account, while a closer and more technical reading of the tradition is proposed through Kant's renowned Prolegomena. The discussion of these works shows how philosophy, science, and religious thought have influenced each other.

Instructional Formats

Lectures and discussions, supported by reading assignments. In the second part of the course students will do a presentation that expands on the core readings. In order to develop their theoretical grasp and their writing skills, students will be required to write a short mid-term paper and a final paper. The course format encourages a dialogue with approaches to metaphysics and epistemology in art, film and other media.

Werkvormen

UCU hum 2 course

Toetsing

Active participation

Verplicht | Weging 10% | ECTS 0,75

mid-term paper

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

final paper

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Presentation

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er moet voldaan zijn aan minimaal één van de cursussen:

Voorkennis

Er is geen informatie over benodigde voorkennis bekend.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Jean Grondin, Introduction to Metaphysics: From Parmenides to Levinas (New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2012), ISBN 978-0-231-14844-3 (paperback)
  • BOEK
    Immanuel Kant, Prolegomena To Any Future Metaphysics That Will Be Able To Come Forward As Science [1783], second edition (Indianapolis-Cambridge: Hackett, 2001), ISBN 978-0-87220-593-2 (paperback)

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. S.A.F. van Maas s.a.f.vanmaas@uu.nl

Docenten

dr. S.A.F. van Maas s.a.f.vanmaas@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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