Critical analysis of a philosophical work II

Duration

30h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Arnaud Dewalque, Denis Seron

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course is devoted to a major book that has been influencing philosophical discussions from mid-20th century to the present day. In 2021-22, the set book is Individuals by Peter Frederick Strawson. As the successor of Gilbert Ryle in Oxford and the former tutor of John Searle, Strawson (1919-2006) is known for having held a series of thought-provoking views, at the crossroad of ordinary language philosophy, metaphysics, epistemology and history of philosophy. Inviduals, first published in 1959, is his second monograph. Strawson describes there what in his view characterizes the way we think of the world, that is, our "conceptual scheme." He argues for two main theses: (1) among objects of reference, or "individuals," particulars are more fundamental that universals; (2) among particulars, material bodies and persons are more fundamental than others (events, etc.). The course is based on a reconstruction and critical discussion of Strawson's arguments for these two theses.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

To be able to analyze a contemporary philosophical text and to put it into perspective within the history of philosphy.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Participants are expected to be able to read philosophical literature in English.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Blended learning


Additional information:

See schedule and timetable.

Recommended or required readings

Strawson, Peter F. 1959. Individuals. An Essay in Descriptive Metaphysics. London: Methuen. (Un exemplaire est disponible à la bibliothèque de philosophie, libre accès, 74STR). Reprinted, New York and London: Routledge, 1971, 2005.
French-speaking students are free to read the French translation: Strawson, Peter F. 1973. Les Individus. Essai de Métaphysique Descriptive. Trad. fr. A. Shalom and P. Drong. Paris: Seuil.
Further readings: see course notes.

Assessment methods and criteria

Written work / report


Additional information:

Final paper: the paper will offer personal considerations, of a philosophical/argumentative nature, by building on the discussion of one specific claim from the set book. The claim that will be picked as a starting point should be clearly identified at the very beginning of the paper (with an explicit reference to the book).

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Attendance is mandatory. Enrolled students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, which includes:

• attending to the sessions
• doing the relevant readings
• conducting a discussion (alone or together with a fellow student) at the beginning of one session

Contacts

Arnaud Dewalque
Denis Seron
Philosophy Department Place du 20 Août, 7, 4000 Liège
Tél 04 366 56 56, Fax : 04 366 55 59

Items online