Advanced Studies in Metaphysics B [ LFILO2251 ]

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Basic instruction in the history of modern philosophy ;
Reading knowledge of German sufficient at least to allow the identification of the key concepts in the original texts. Advanced reading knowledge of German, while helpful, is not a strict requirement.

The course will be devoted to a major theme in German idealism, and refer to a text or set of texts judged particularly good illustrations of that theme. Beyond the exegetical approach required by this type of text and its contextualisation within the systematic development of a given major work, the course will attempt to illuminate the role played by the particular theme studied in the works of various German idealist philosophers insofar as it leads to differences between their positions.

Upon completion the student will be able to :
- Define major concepts employed by German idealist philosophers;
- Explain various philosophical methods that differentiate one philosopher from another ;
- Interpret in general terms some famously difficult passages with the help of reading hints furnished in the course.

The student is expected to present a written work of ten pages taking bearing from the reading of the proposed commentary in the reading file. Having sent this work by mail, the student will in return receive a question on the sent work which he or she has to prepare in readiness for the oral examination.

Presentation of the question during the oral exam takes the duration of fifteen minutes.

The written work can be done in French, English, Spanish, or German, in agreement with the Professor.

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Schelling'sRevival!

Many different contemporary philosophers propose to reinterpret Schelling, either from the perspective of the modal theories of enunciation (such as M. Gabriel does) or by reconstructing a psychoanalytic theory of subjectivity (Zizek), or through the recourse to a deconstruction of the soteriological representation of Christina history (Agamben). What these reinterpretations have in common is to base their work on a neglected part of Schelling's philosophy, the last one, called 'Positive philosophy' or 'philosophy of Revelation'. What are the main sketches of this Schellingian rebirth? How must we interpret it into our contemporary context and identify its possible limits? These are the main questions that will lead our course.

Agamben G., Le règne et la gloire, Homo sacer II, 2, trad. J. Gayraud et M. Rueff, Seuil, 2008.

M. Gabriel & S. 'i'ek, Mythology, Madness and Laughter, Subjectivity in German Idealism, Continuum, London/New York, 2009.

S. 'i'ek (and F.W.J. von Schelling), The Abyss of Freedom/Ages of the World, trans. by Judith Norman, The University of Michigan Press, 1997.

S. 'i'ek,The Indivisible Remainder, An Essay on Schelling and Related Matters,Verso, London/New York, 1996 [accessible sur http://books.google.fr]; traduction française: Essai sur Schelling, Le reste qui n'éclôt jamais, L'Harmattan, Paris, 1996. [accessible sur http://books.google.fr]

                                                                                                                               
 J.-F. Courtine (ed.), Schelling, Coll. « Cahiers d'histoire de la philosophie », Cerf, Paris, 2010.

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