Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27
Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (1781) is one of the most important works of Western philosophy. Kant focuses on what we can and cannot know, transforming concepts of freedom, God, self, and nature along the way. In resolving the impasse between rationalism and empiricism, Kant set out a new approach to epistemology and metaphysics called transcendental idealism. This fundamental turning-point in philosophy also generated some enduring problems. This course focuses on reading and understanding the Critique alongside selected critical works. Working closely with the text, we will understand Kant's arguments, their significance, and the problems that they generated.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
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This course will introduce students to the central topics in Kant's Critique of Pure Reason. Students will develop skills of close textual reading and analysis, and locate and utilise relevant secondary material. Students will develop skills of reasoning and debate and acquire knowledge of Kant's philosophy through reading his major work, the Critique of Pure Reason. Students will critically engage with central texts, debates, and issues in Kant's philosophy and articulate ideas clearly and systematically in writing and discussion.
Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (1781) is one of the most important works of Western philosophy. In attempting to resolve the bitter philosophical disputes of his own age, Kant paved the way for the next two hundred years of philosophical activity by setting out his own groundbreaking approach to metaphysics and epistemology: transcendental idealism. With this, Kant resolved the problems of rationalism and empiricism and introduced a new philosophical vocabulary, but he also left behind a host of problems which philosophers have puzzled over ever since. This course explores these key aspects of Kant's thought using a text-based approach. We will work through selections from the Critique to develop an understanding of Kant's arguments and the problems that emerge from them.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: 1 x seminar presentation (10%); 1 x 3500 word essay (50%); 1 x 2-hour exam (40%)
Tutorial worksheets for Level 3 students, which will be discussed in class.
Written feedback will be provided on essays, glossaries (Level 3) and presentations (Level 4). Further feedback is available through discussion in office hours.
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