Seminar on ancient philosophy [ LFILO2900 ]

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- Basic introductory course in metaphysics and the history of philosophy.
- A general understanding of the main problems, schools of thought, and concepts in these areas.

The seminar will deal with a topic in the area of metaphysics and the history of philosophy to be determined by its members in relation to research projects they are working on. Active participation and attendance at seminar meetings is strongly encouraged. Professors and other researchers from the UCL who have an interest in the topic, as well as specialists in the topic from outside the UCL, may participate in the seminar.

Upon completion of the seminar the student should be able to :
- Handle a research topic in the area of metaphysics and history of philosophy, basing this treatment on a critical analysis of major works and texts from authors who deal with the theme in question, as well as on contributions made within the framework of the seminar ;
- Write a scientific paper dealing with a research topic that is precisely determined and germane to the theme of the seminar ;
- Take an active role in cooperative research on metaphysics and history of philosophy, especially through the discussion of contributions made within the framework of the seminar;

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The seminar will concentrate on reading the introductory paragraphs (§§1-18) of Hegel's Encyclopaedia of Philosophical Sciences (1830 edition). In these paragraphs the philosopher defines his concept of philosophy, characterising the mode of thought it deploys as a mode of the 'concept' and inquiring into its relationship to other forms of thought such as those found in common consciousness, the sciences or even in religion.

Required text: G.W.F. HEGEL, Encyclopédie des sciences philosophiques I, transl. Bernard Bourgeois, Paris, Vrin, 1970, pp. 163-84.

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