The main focus of this course is on the philosophy of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) and on his major and most influential work, the Critique of Pure Reason (1st ed. 1781; 2nd ed. 1787). Topics to be discussed include Kant’s account of space and time as forms of human sensibility, his analysis of the understanding, the notion of self-consciousness, and his critique of ‘transcendent’ reason. Some attention may be given to Kant’s moral philosophy. We shall also look at early reactions to Kant’s philosophy and the development of German Idealism. Topics to be discussed in this context include the notion of philosophy as a system, the problem of scepticism, and the notion of the self. Texts to be considered include selections from writings by K. L. Reinhold, G. E. Schulze, J. G. Fichte, and G. W. F. Hegel. Attention will also be given to twentieth-century discussions of Kant’s philosophy.

Short essay (40%), long essay (45%) and tutorial presentation and participation (15%).

Four courses in philosophy

PHIL3068 Third Year Honours Seminar Part A, PHIL3069 Third Year Honours Seminar Part B

I. Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, transl. N. Kemp Smith (Macmillan)

Robert C. Solomon and Kathleen M. Higgins (eds.), The Age of German Idealism, London ; New York 1993 (Routledge History of Philosophy, vol. 6), chs 1-7.