Course info

Module Outline (updated 08.05.18)

In this module we will look in detail at a classic philosophical text. Close attention will be paid to reading the text, not only as a historical document but principally with regard to its on-going contribution to philosophical thinking. The general aim of this module is to improve students' ability to read, understand and critically assess philosophical texts from a range of historical periods and philosophical traditions. The particular text (or texts) under consideration in any one year will operate as exemplary for the development of philosophical reading skills more generally. Some of the texts that may be addressed include: Austin’s How to Do Things with Words; Anscombe’s Intention; Wittgenstein’s Blue Book; Rousseau’s The Social Contract; Descartes’ Metaphysical Meditations; Plato’s Gorgias.

In 2019, we will read Plato’s Theaetetus. The Theaetetus can fairly be said to be one of Plato’s more demanding dialogues. But it is also one of the richest and most rewarding. Usually classed among Plato’s mature works, it presents us with a discussion of the nature of knowledge, examining three main proposals: (1) that knowledge is perception; (2) that knowledge is true belief (or judgment, doxa); and (3) that knowledge is true belief with an account (logos). The dialogue discusses and ultimately rejects all three proposals. In doing so, however, it not only sheds light on epistemological topics like knowledge, belief and learning, it also treats of topics within ethics, metaphilosophy, philosophy of mind and metaphysics. We find discussions of e.g. philosophical method and the value of philosophy, of perception and of the nature and possibility of falsehood. In engaging with two of Plato’s most renowned predecessors, Protagoras and Heraclitus, the dialogue also offers some of the most influential and debated arguments against relativism. Through lectures and reading seminars, we will do a close reading of the dialogue together. We will end the term with a mini-conference exploring contemporary debates on the Theaetetus as well as its legacy.

The aims of the module are:

1. To develop a good and critical understanding of a text or set of texts from the history of philosophy (such as Austin’s How to Do Things with Words or Anscombe’s Intention or Wittgenstein’s Blue Book or Plato’s Gorgias) through attentive reading of his text.
2. To gain a better understanding of what it means to attentively read a philosophical text.
3. To gain an insight into the role of expression within philosophy and beyond.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will by the end of this module:

1. be in a position to reconstruct, analyse and criticise the position found in the text or set of texts from the history of philosophy on which the module focuses;
2. be able to enter into discussion with a range of positions on the topic in a text or set of texts from the history of philosophy;
3. be better readers of philosophical – and other – texts.