Topics in German Idealism

Description

This module focuses on central issues in the writings of the German Idealists – Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel – with special attention to the ways in which they develop and transform Kant's philosophy. The module will be ordered roughly chronologically, beginning with the late work of Kant, moving through Fichte and Schelling and ending with Hegel. Representative topics include the nature of self-consciousness and the different ways (morality, nature, history) that self-consciousness is embedded, the nature of moral authority, the relationship between art, nature, and the self, the importance of history, and so on. Every week there will be selected primary texts available on Moodle, as well as supporting secondary literature. The class will be roughly a 45-minute lecture followed by an hour-long seminar. The aim of the module is to serve as an advanced introduction to the German Idealists and their chief concerns, as well as understanding how they fit into the story of philosophy after Kant. Some background knowledge of Kant is advantageous but not necessary. Philosophy Area C