| Unit name | Kant's Theoretical Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30089 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Pettigrew |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Kant's theoretical philosophy is the single greatest attempt to understand how metaphysics is possible in the face of the failure of the Leibnizian rationalism in which he was schooled and the extreme metaphysical scepticism of the empiricist alternative that he read in Hume. It is controversial how we should interpret Kant's proposed solution to this apparent dilemma, and even more debatable the extent to which it succeeds. In this unit, we take a collegiate approach to this period in the history of philosophy, and debate with Kant's writings to consider the strength of his arguments and the coherence of the worldview to which they give rise.
Aims:
The unit aims to give students a solid understanding of Kants transcendental idealism, his arguments in its favour, and the problems to which it gives rise. The problems identified will prove as illuminating as the successes, and students should gain a greater understanding of the foundations on which the metaphysical philosophy learnt elsewhere in their degree programme must be built.
On successful completion of this unit, students will:
1) Have a good understanding of Kants position, his arguments, and the problems of interpreting both of these.
2) Be able to engage critically with these arguments, and offer their own assessment of them.
12 x 1-hr lectures; 12 x 1-hr tutorials
Three hour unseen examination.
