20th Century Philosophy

Analytic philosophy, with both German-speaking and British roots in Frege and Russell, aimed to provide a new foundation for philosophy through the logical analysis of language and meaning. American pragmatism, headed by Peirce and James, sought to bring philosophy closer to human affairs by linking meaning and truth to practice. Within the German-speaking tradition with its roots in Kant, phenomenology and its creator Husserl sought to create a new type of basis for knowledge. Meanwhile hermeneutics, the study of understanding and interpretation, was radicalized by its association with phenomenology, mainly through Heidegger. Critical theory's founders Adorno and Horkheimer argued against all traditional theory’s claims to be politically and socially neutral. In FI1104 these developments will be followed through the 1900s. We follow both key themes and conflicts within the different traditions, as well as philosophical work that transcends them. The emphasis of the course is on the later part of the century. This is also a period in which analytical philosophy has been developed in more pluralistic directions. Work seeking to synthesize the German and pragmatic traditions has been undertaken by amongst others Rorty, whilst Habermas’ thinking draws on both the analytical and the critical German tradition. The way power and gender have influenced classical philosophical problems also became a central theme in the period. The course is based both on original works (partly in translation) and secondary material.

A candidate who has passed the course is expected to have the following knowledge and skills, as assessed in relation to the course curriculum:

Knowledge

The candidate has

• knowledge of the main features of the philosophical lines of development of the 1900s and knowledge of key philosophers works
• more in-depth knowledge of some key philosophical texts from the 1900s

Skills

The candidate has the ability to

• read philosophical original texts (in translation) from the 1900s
• use and critically relate to the secondary literature on twentieth century philosophy
• see the arguments of twentieth century philosophers in relation to each other and to philosophical problems of our own time

Lectures, groups and self-study. In order to sit the exam, students must submit and get approved two written assignments (each 1600-3200 words, 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing.) The written assignments are only given in the semester when the subject is taught, but are valid for this and the subsequent semester.