German Philosophy for Critical Theory -- Part I, Idealism through Marx
The goal of this course is to provide a firm foundation in the key issues that were raised in the major philosophical texts in German from the late 18th to mid-19th centuries. We will discuss these issues with an eye toward their continued relevance for “theory.” Among the topics we will explore:
New conceptions of Nature and Life;
Natural science vs. free will and morality;
Subjective vs. Objective vs. “Absolute” Idealism;
The interrelationships/unity of Nature, Art, and Religion in Post-Kantian Idealism;
What is dialectical logic?
Post-Hegelian critiques of religion (Feuerbach) as a bridge to Marx;
Marx, dialectics, materialism, traces of Idealism.
Some readings:
Kant: Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics; selections from the Critique of Pure
Reason (esp. the “Third Antinomy”), Critique of Practical Reason, Critique of
Judgment
Schelling on art, religion, and Naturphilosophie
Hegel: Phenomenology of Spirit and Science of Logic (selections)
Feuerbach: Essence of Christianity
Marx: Early philosophical Manuscripts; Capital, Volume I (selections)
Note: “Part II, Nietzsche through Habermas” will be offered by Prof. David Pan (Dept. of German) in Winter, 2010, as an H270.
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