UCL - History of Philosophy VI: Contemporary philosophy (second part)

[FILO1285]

[30h] 3 credits

This two-yearly course is taught in 2008-2009, 2010-2011,...

Teacher(s): Olivier Depré

Language: French

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

By the end of the course, the student should be able to give an account of the key moments of Contemporary philosophy both in its metaphysical and moral dimensions-these complement the linguistic and logical dimensions studied in the first part of the course.

Main themes

The course offers a general overview of post-Hegelian philosophy, paying particular attention to metaphysics, ethics, and anthropology. It provides a general survey of post-Kantianism; of phenomenology (from Husserl to Merleau-Ponty by way of Heidegger); of critical theory (from the Frankfurt School to Habermas); from Nietzsche to (up to) post-modernism. The particular focus of the course changes from year to year. The course is based on lectures and on discussions.

Content and teaching methods

The course places particular emphasis on the moral and metaphysical aspects of Contemporary philosophy (the Hegelian, Kantian, and Nietzschean traditions). Phenomenology. Deconstruction. Action and communicative theory. Universalistic morality.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment: The assessment is based on the student's understanding of the lectures; however, this can be supplemented by work done individually on a topic touched on in class (the essay must address at least three contemporary philosophers).

Supporting Material: Class notes