Registration ends 07.4.2026 at 23:59 h

This course will introduce students to some of the "classics" of western philosophy. It explores a variety of texts written by some of the more influential philosophers and provides an introduction to the major philosophical theories found in the history of Western philosophy. Special attention will be given to theories and philosophical practices that have exerted considerable influence on contemporary thought. Through reading, discussion, and presentations you'll get to know some of philosophy's major divisions, including epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, ethics, and politics. We will explore the philosophical writings of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Marx, Nietzsche, Silvia Federici, Nancy Fraser, Adriana Cavarero, Cinzia Arruzza, some of the critically important thinkers of the Western philosophy. Topics to be included: what is philosophy; Power, moral and genealogy; human bondage and human freedom; philosophy and science; critique of (patriarcal) capitalism; aesthetics; theories of the subject, feminist theories and practices, human/posthuman.

The crucial interpretations that have marked the history of philosophy and that are at the forefront of current debates will be studied. The primary goals of this course are for students to: (1) become familiar with philosophical problems; (2) learn about major divisions in philosophy; (3) learn how to read and understand philosophical texts; (4) learn how to present and support ideas in public and collaborate with other students; (5) develop skills in applying philosophical reflection to concrete problems. At the end of this course students will get to know some of philosophy's major divisions, including epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, ethics, and politics; they should be able to make distinction between topics in ancient, modern and contemporary philosophy and to understand crucial historical and philosophical concepts.

Further information on teaching evaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/en/teaching/quality-management/evaluation/course-evaluation.html