Course content

Western philosophy began in ancient Greece, where Plato’s and Aristotle’s writings and ideas formed the subject of philosophy as we know it today. At the end of the Renaissance René Descartes took up questions about the nature of consciousness and knowledge in a new way. Today all epistemologists and moral philosophers must relate to the 18th century thinker David Hume.

The curriculum consists largely of original texts, and the main emphasis is on making students familiar with the philosophers' own writings. These are, however, illustrated by secondary literature from our own time. The courses also provide a general overview of the history of western philosophy from Antiquity to the Early Modern period.

Learning outcome

A candidate who has passed the course is expected to have the following knowledge and skills, as assessed in relation to the course curriculum:

Knowledge
The candidate:
- has knowledge of the main features of the philosophical positions of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes and Hume.
- has more detailed knowledge of some key texts of the above philosophers.

Skills
The candidate:
- has the ability to read philosophical original texts (in translation) from Antiquity to the Early Modern period and to relate to secondary literature on these.
- has the ability to see the arguments of the above philosophers in relation to one other, and to philosophical issues of own time.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, groups and self-study. In order to sit the exam, students must submit and get approved one written assignment (1600-3200 words, 12-point Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing.)The written assignment is only given in the semester when the subject is taught, but is valid for this and the subsequent semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions