Fundamental Texts in Western Philosophy
Course Convenors: Matt Lee
Course Code: PHIL 1012
This course offers students the opportunity to explore in detail some of the greatest attempts to explore philosophical questions found in Western Philosophy. Normally only two texts will be considered: one in the first semester, the other in the second. In this way, students are given the opportunity to gain an awareness of the sublteties of a particular philosopher's approach and develop an immanent understanding of the questions and dilemmas that motivate the philosophy. The course will be of particular benefit for students who feel that the most productive approach to philosophy is not to be gained through courses that offer general surveys and summaries of everything that has ever been said on a subject, but rather by carefully following the rigorous way in which a great philosopher analyses, explores and attempts to solve philosophical problems.
The texts chosen for this course will be those that have significantly shaped the landscape of Western Philosophy and that remain influential philosophers today.