Ancient, medieval and early modern Philosophy part 1

The ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle set the agenda for most later philosophical discussions. After the Renaissance, Rene Descartes offered a new view of the nature of consciousness and knowledge. At the same time, Thomas Hobbes became the founder of the modern political philosophy. Today all moral philosophers and knowledge theoreticians need to have knowledge about the important philosophers of the 18th century, David Hume and Immanuel Kant. In this course, we study the philosophers' original texts. Part 1 covers developments up to and including Descartes, part 2 those after Descartes.

To gain knowledge about philosophical issues from Antiquity to 18th century philosophers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant through studying original texts.

Lectures, groups and self-study. In order to sit the exam, students must submit and get approved one written assignment (4-8 pages, 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing.) Evaluation by essay (40%) and four-hour written exam (60%, no syllabus materials permitted). Essay is written on the basis of the written assignment after feedback from group leader/supervision, and should be on average two pages longer than the assignment (i.e. 6-10 pages). 2 copies to be delivered at latest one week before the written exam, front page: course code, date, student id.