PHIL3215 - 01 - Modern Philosophy

This course is an examination of some central ideas of major modern philosophers, including Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, Locke, Berkley, Hume and Kant, as well as associated authors. These philosophers greatly influenced the development of the contemporary mind. Emphasis is on epistemology and metaphysics, especially the rationalist and empiricist traditions, with some discussion of political philosophy. Students will read original texts and, with the help of background readings, interpret their meaning and significance.