This course considers central problems of Western philosophy with emphasis on epistemology and metaphysics through analysis of writing by influential philosophers in historical context. After a brief survey of ancient and medieval systems of thought, such as Platonism and scholasticism, attention is focused on modern systems of thought, such as rationalism, empiricism, idealism, pragmatism, existentialism and logical positivism. Students will study a wide range of philosophical writings, and will begin to develop their ability to produce rigorous analysis, systematic critique and careful thinking in their own writing. Time is divided between developing an understanding of the history of ideas on the one hand and considering the central philosophical questions as they apply here and now on the other. This writing-intensive course counts towards the Academic Writing requirements.
- Teacher: Christopher Dawson