PHI 303 - Modern Philosophy: Descartes to Kant (1)

Critical and historical examination of the modern period of philosophy of the 17th and 18th centuries and its dualist, idealist, skeptical and transcendental movements. Modern philosophers set the stage for contemporary views on science, psychology, morals, law, politics and human nature. Starting with the background to the Scientific Revolution and moving through advanced theories on the nature of reality and the limits of human knowledge, we will explore such philosophers as Galileo, Bacon, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume and Kant. Investigations into the intriguing contribution of women philosophers of this period such as Princess Elisabeth and Cavendish will be part of our exploration into this highly influential time in philosophy’s history of ideas. Prerequisite(s): sophomore standing. Alternate years.
(Humanities)