PHIL0019-1 : Introduction to contemporary philosophy

Study Programmes 2015-2016

PHIL0019-1

Introduction to contemporary philosophy

Duration :

30h Th

Number of credits :

Bachelor in information and communication		4
Bachelor in modern languages and literatures : German, Dutch and English		6
Bachelor in modern languages and literatures : German, Dutch and English		4
Bachelor in modern languages and literatures : general		6
Bachelor in philosophy		4

Lecturer :

Arnaud Dewalque

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

This course is conceived of as a general introduction to some of the major currents in contemporary philosophical theory (from 1900 to the present day), namely (i) analytic philosophy, (ii) phenomenology, (iii) analytic metaphysics and philosophy of mind. Focusing on the core-notion of analysis (which arguably is central to contemporary philosophy), we'll challenge the usual presentation of these currents, which have been often described as monolithic and competing traditions. By contrast to this common picture we'll see how they embody different, sometimes complementary ways of engaging into philosophical analysis, taking advantage in turn of (i) the analysis of meaning, (ii) the analysis of phenomena, and (iii) the analysis of reality.
As a matter of illustration, we'll apply these varieties of analysis to a series of issues which are related to a classical problem, namely the perception of the surrounding world: Does sense-perception provide us with an acquaintance with reality? How should we describe the relation between reality and appearence? What difference is there between perceiving, dreaming, and hallucinating? Can sense-perception justify our beliefs about the external world, and how is it able to do so? What is the relation between what we perceive and the words we use to describe it? In virtue of what is sense-perception distinct from our other mental states (thinking, imagining, etc.)? Granted that we perceive what really is, which are the ingredients of reality? What type of "entities" are there in the world? And what's the place of mind in reality?
We will drawn on some of the theories philosophers have proposed to answer these questions. Through the comparative approach to the above-mentionned currents, this course also aims at providing listeners with some reflexion-lines about how to practice philosophy in the broadest sense.

Learning outcomes of the course :

General objectives:

to provide an introductory overview of contemporary theoretical philosophy.
to clarify a certain number of key concepts prior to a more in-depth study of contemporary philosophy (cf. course given during the 2nd and 3rd Bachelors in Philosophy: "History of contemporary philosophy" and "Contemporary philosophical texts").
to raise students' awareness of the classic philosophical problems concerning our perceptual relationship to the world and the alternatives of idealism and realism.

Specific objectives - By the end of the course, students should be able to:

place authors studied during class into their contemporary philosophical setting.
explain the meaning of concepts used.
clearly explain, using examples, the arguments in favour of a particular philosophical position covered in class.

Particular attention will be given to the correct use of terminology.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

None.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Lectures with powerpoint presentation. Each lesson is based on some quotations of classical philosophical texts which will be made available to the listeners both in original language and in french translation.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

The course takes place in the first term, on Thursdays from 1pm - 3 pm (schedule may be subject to change - please follow the link below). Start date: 17th september 2015. See http://cipl82.philo.ulg.ac.be/horaires

Recommended or required readings :

A bundle with excerpts from classical philosophical texts will be made available at the beginning of the course. Moreover, the set book is:

Thomas Nagel, What Does It All Mean? A Very Short Introduction to Philosophy, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1987.

This is compulsory reading. Additional bibliographical indications will be made available at the end of each chapter of the bundle.

Assessment methods and criteria :

Oral exam during the January session.

The exam will take the form of a short oral interview during which students should demonstrate their knowledge of the subject matter covered in class and their understanding of the set text. Students will also be expected to clearly explain, using examples, an author's position or the significance of a concept studied during the year, but also to be able to place this author or concept in the wider context of the course (for example, by indicating to which school of thought the author belongs, etc.).

Work placement(s) :

Organizational remarks :

Students enrolled in Modern Languages are welcome. Extracts of philosophical texts will be made available both in original language (English and German) and in french translation.

Contacts :

Teacher
Arnaud Dewalque
Département de Philosophie
7, place du 20-août, Building A1/2nd floor
B-4000 Liège
Phone 0032 (4) 366 55 92
E-mail a.dewalque@ulg.ac.be