PHIL3070 Reason, Critique and the Self: Kant and German Idealism
Later Year Course
| Offered By | School of Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | Philosophy |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2012 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
The main focus of this course is on the philosophy of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), in particular, on his most influential work, the Critique of Pure Reason (1st ed. 1781; 2nd ed. 1787). Topics to be discussed include Kant’s meta-philosophy, i.e., his refashioning of metaphysics as transcendental philosophy; his account of space and time as forms of human sensibility; his analysis of the understanding; his conception of self-consciousness and his critique of ‘transcendent’ reason. Attention will be paid to how these ideas shaped the development of post-Kantian philosophy, and in particular, German Idealism. Attention will also be given to some influential twentieth-century readings of Kant’s philosophy. |
| Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. understand Kant’s meta-philosophy, in particular, the concept of transcendental philosophy, as outlined in the Critique of Pure Reason 2. discuss and analyse key passess in Critique of Pure Reason 3. evaluate key interpretations and critical responses to them in the literature on Kant’s theoretical philosophy 4. understand in general terms how Kant influenced his immediate successors, e.g., Reinhold, Fichte and Hegel 5. engage in philosophical discussion and debate, articulating their interpretations and criticisms of the various ideas discussed throughout the course. |
| Indicative Assessment |
Tutorial presentation and participation (10%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) 1 essay of 2,250 words to be submitted mid-semester (45%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) 1 essay of 2,250 words, to be submitted at the end of semester (45%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4) |
| Workload | This course is required for Philosophy Honours. Offered in alternate years. 20 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials. |
| Areas of Interest | Philosophy |
| Requisite Statement |
Four courses in philosophy |
| Incompatibility |
PHIL3068 Third Year Honours Seminar Part A, PHIL3069 Third Year Honours Seminar Part B |
| Prescribed Texts |
I. Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, transl. N. Kemp Smith (Macmillan) |
| Preliminary Reading |
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. |
| Majors/Specialisations | Philosophy and Philosophy |
| Academic Contact | Carleton Bruin Christensen |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.
