Themes in Modern Philosophy

Module Description:

Epistemology introduces students to the study of the theory of knowledge. Topics studied include scepticism, relativism and defining knowledge. Much of the history of modern philosophy concerns issues in epistemology. The History of Modern Philosophy) investigates the work of Descartes and Kant. Descartes made epistemology the foundation of philosophy in the modern period. Kant drew on Descartes’ work, and that of intervening philosophers, to produce a massive theoretical edifice, his critical philosophy. Kant’s epistemology will be discussed along with his critique of metaphysics. Twentieth-Century Philosophy) brings the historical discussion to the twentieth century, examining the work of the two most important philosophers of that century, Wittgenstein and Heidegger. Wittgenstein represents the analytic tradition in philosophy, whereas Heidegger represents the continental tradition. The earlier and later work of both philosophers is presented. The Meaning of Life) tackles that most difficult issue, the meaning of life. After an examination of the question, four different approaches to answering it are presented. Longer texts from various philosophers are included, getting students to engage critically with philosophical articles.

Indicative bibliography

AUDI, R. Epistemology, Routledge, 1998
COTTINGHAM, J. On the Meaning of Life, Routledge, 2002.
DESCARTES, R. Meditations on First Philosophy, Cambridge University Press, 1996
GUIGNON, C. The Cambridge Companion to Heidegger, Cambridge University Press, 1993.
KENNY, A. Descartes: A Study of His Philosophy, Random House, 1968. KENNY, A. Wittgenstein, Penguin, 1973.
KENNY, A. The Wittgenstein Reader, Blackwell, 1994.
McGHEE, M. Transformations of Mind, Cambridge University Press, 2000
O’GRADY, P. Relativism, Acumen, 2002.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• An understanding of the central issues in epistemology.
• Knowledge of the history of modern philosophy, especially Descartes and Kant.
• An acquaintance with twentieth-century philosophy, especially Wittgenstein and Heidegger.
• An appreciation of the difficulty of the question of the meaning of life and an awareness of different possible answers to it.

• Explain key concepts in modern philosophy.
• Engage in critical discussion and debate.
• Identify philosophical positions and evaluate them critically.

Methods of Assessment

1,500 word essay (40%) and end of year examination (60%)