Aims

By the end of the course, the student shall be able to comment on, analyze, and interpret one or more of the relevant texts of Modern philosophy in a critical manner. The student shall likewise be able to situate the text(s) in the larger context of Modern philosophy.

Main themes

To introduce the student to the critical reading of the key texts of Modern philosophy.

Content and teaching methods

The content of the course changes each year. Always using the reading of a text or texts as a springboard, the course proposes three kinds of questions depending on the year of study:
a) A detailed study of a major text, its historical influences and repercussions.
Example: The Origins and the Posterity of the Discourse on Method.
b) A synchronic study of a problem.
Example: The Emancipation of Reason in the Enlightenment.
c) A diachronic study of a theme
Example: The Notion of Science from Bacon to Newton.

Method: A commentary on the reading and a synthetic exposition leading to discussions and the exchange of ideas.

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

Pre-requisites: Course on the History of Modern Philosophy.

Assessment: The oral exam bears on a question relevant to the subject matter studied. The student, in collaboration with the professor, chooses a question and prepares a response before the exam; the answer must be based on the course and on the complementary readings. The exam consists of the presentation and subsequent discussion of this answer as well as in the commentary of an extract from the text (or texts) studied during the course.

Supporting Materials: Text(s) studied during the course and a bibliography.

Programmes in which this activity is taught

Other credits in programs