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Curricular information is subject to change
Students will acquire a broad and deep understanding of the most relevant epistemological views preceding (and preparing) modernity (from Aristotle to Descartes).
The conceptual novelty that Descartes brings to the history of philosophy will be studied against this complex historical background Descartes’ “modern” self, the thinking ego, seen as fundamental unity of the "res cogitans", will be better understood by contrast with previous opinions and texts.
Students will be introduced to Aristotle's epistemology and to major doctrines of soul and body preceding Descartes, such as abstraction, phantasia, agent and possible intellect, Averroes' doctrine of the unicity of the intellect, "operans instrinsecum" and Aquinas' reaction and rejection of both Averroes and the Latin Averroists. Descartes' views will appear deeper in this context and in contrast with these doctrines.
Works studied (English translation provided):
Descartes' Meditations and Letters.
Aristotle's De Anima III
Averroes’ Commentary on De Anima
Siger of Brabant’s Commentary on De Anima III
Thomas Aquinas’ On the Unity of the Intellect
Student Effort Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lectures | 24 |
Autonomous Student Learning | 226 |
Total | 250 |
Not applicable to this module.
Remediation Type | Remediation Timing |
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In-Module Resit | Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board |
• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
Not yet recorded.