Post-Kantian Logic and Theory of Knowledge: Hermann Lotze

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Post-Kantian Logic and Theory of Knowledge: Hermann Lotze Надя Моро – Научно-исследовательский семинар – Магистратура: 1-й курс, 2 модуль 2015/2016 National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow Master’s programme ‘Philosophical Anthropology’, 1 st year, module 2 SYLLABUS OF RESEARCH SEMINAR Post--Kantian Logic and Theory of Knowledge: Hermann Lotze Outline During the course, students will be introduced to Lotze’s philosophy, and especially his logic and metaphysics. Lotze’s contributions will be contextualised within 19th-century post-Kantian philosophy. Lotze’s teleological idealism will be discussed relating to its main sources (such as Hegel and Herbart) and his great influence on later philosophers will be made explicit. Pre-requisites: students should be familiar with Kant’s and Hegel’s philosophy. Course type: compulsory Lecturer: Nadia Moro , assistant professor of philosophy office hours: by arrangement (mail to: [email protected] ) contact details: Staraya Basmannaya Ul., 21/4, room 207; [email protected] Learning objectives During the course, students should: ∗ be introduced to the complexity of post-Kantian philosophy in the German area and its various trends, such as idealism, realism, and empiricism; ∗ master the terminology of post-Kantian and Lotze’s theory of knowledge; ∗ gain knowledge of Lotze’s main achievements in logic, metaphysics, and theory of knowledge; ∗ develop skills in analysi s, contextualisation, and critical evaluation of Lotze’s theories. During the course, students may: ∗ become able to explore 19 th century literature on logic, metaphysics, and theory of knowledge and relate it to the post-Kantian epistemological discussion; ∗ present their analysis and critical evaluation of 19th-century literature on logic and metaphysics. Methods of Instruction Analysis and commentary of relevant texts by the lecturer and by students in form of presentations and guided discussion. The seminar is held in English and it is based on text analysis and discussion. You will be expected to comply with the reading assignments (cf. Content and schedule) and take part in class discussions. Attendance is mandatory. 1 Надя Моро – Научно-исследовательский семинар – Магистратура: 1-й курс, 2 модуль 2015/2016 Content and schedule Week 1 Introduction. Understanding post-Kantian logic and theory of knowledge. Recommendations concerning the use of literature. Introduction to Lotze and his system of philosophy. Lotze as a physiologist. Reading: Lotze, Logic , vol. 1, §§ I-XIII, pp. 1-12 Week 2 Lotze’s theory of universals; Cassirer’s interpretation. Reading: Lotze, Logic , vol. 2, §§ 297-312 (Skepticism); §§ 313-321 (Ideenwelt), pp. 166 f. Week 3 A priori and empiricism Reading: Lotze, Logic , vol. 2, §§ 322-333, pp. 223 f. Week 4 Lotze and his sources: Hegel. Logic, formality, and reality Reading: Lotze, Logic , vol. 2, §§ 334-345, pp. 252 f. Week 5 Lotze and his sources: Herbart. Truths a priori. Reading: Lotze, Logic , vol. 2, §§ 346-365, pp. 283 f. Week 6 Laws in Lotze’s view. Lotze’s influence. Reading: Lotze, Logic , vol. 2, §§ 264-277, pp. 67-105 Reading list Required reading (cf. Schedule): H. Lotze (1888), Logic. In Three Books of Thought, of Investigation and of Knowledge , trans. and ed. by B. Bosanquet, 2nd ed., 2 vols, Oxford: Clarendon. Vol. 1: https://archive.org/details/logicofthoughtof031397mbp Vol. 2: https://archive.org/details/logicinthreeboo00lotzgoog Optional literature will be provided according to students’ interests and linguistic skills. Assessment In order to attain a final passing grade you will have to regularly attend classes, read texts, engage in class discussion, and pass the final exam. Specifically, in order to attain a passing grade, you have to: 1) attend at least 50% of the scheduled classes (please note that if you are late, your delay will count as 1 hour absence) and 2) read the assigned texts and engage in class discussion : 40% of your final grade (cumulative assessment) and 3) pass a final test consisting of analysis, commentary, and contextualisation of texts studied during the seminar: 60% of your final grade. In some cases to be discussed with the lecturer, the final test may be replaced by a presentation during the course. Guidelines for Knowledge Assessment The seminar is based on text analysis and commentary. In order to get a passing grade, students are required to do their readings and be able to present the main theses and arguments of each text whenever asked by the lecturer. Skills in discussing the relevant theses and arguments will be appreciated. 2.
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