Download PHIL 3NN3 PHILOSOPHY OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT

PHIL 3NN3 PHILOSOPHY OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT FALL 2016 CLASSES: FRIDAY 11:30‐13:20, DSB B107 INSTRUCTOR: Richard T. W. Arthur <rarthur at mcmaster.ca> OFFICE HOURS: TBA OFFICE: UH 305, ext. 23470 COURSE DESCRIPTION ‘Enlightenment’ is the characteristic philosophy of eighteenth century Europe, particularly of the thinkers associated with the Encyclopédie project. This movement was a concerted attempt to replace the old theological‐cum‐political order with one based on scientific reason and human rights. As such it defined the dominant outlook of the twentieth century, and constitutes the “modernism” against which postmodernism defines itself. We will be studying it through the writings of Voltaire, La Mettrie, Rousseau and Diderot, as well as through the Encyclopédie itself. REQUIRED TEXTS 1. Man a Machine, Julien de LA METTRIE, Hackett. ISBN: 0‐87220‐194‐5. 2. Rameau's Nephew and Other Works, Denis DIDEROT, Hackett 2001. ISBN: 0‐87220‐486‐3. 3. Candide, VOLTAIRE, ed. Eric PALMER, Broadview Press. ISBN: 978‐1‐55111‐746‐1. Other texts, such as Voltaire's Letters Concerning the English Nation, Mandeville’s Fable of the Bees, and Diderot's Early Philosophical Works, (ed. and transl. Margaret JOURDAIN) are available online or from the course website. COURSE WEBSITE I will be using Avenue to Learn (http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/) and a dedicated course website (www.humanities.mcmaster.ca/~rarthur/enlight/) to post regular announcements and information about the course, supplementary readings, additional resources, and information and advice about assessment (including essay questions). You are expected to check in every couple of days. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 
Reflective comments on the readings: For each week’s required readings you are required to compose at least 2 comments (one paragraph each) on points of interest which you think will stimulate class discussion. When called upon in class to share your observations, you must have something interesting to offer, or you will lose active attendance credit. A copy of these comments must be submitted in hard copy at the beginning of each class to obtain credit. (10%) 
Active attendance: your participation in the course will be rated not only on number of classes attended, but also on your responses (+) or failures to respond (–) to requests to share your reflections, and on the quality of your participation in class discussion. (10%) 
A short essay on one entry in the Encyclopédie of philosophical interest, to be written up (about 2500 words) A schedule for these will be set up in the first class, and posted on the web. Requirements for what should be included will be given on the course web page. (20%) 
A term paper (~4000 words), due midnight, Wednesday, November 16. (30%) 
Final Exam in the exam period: (30%)