Ancient Greek Philosophy
The aim of this course is to give a general introduction into the main thinkers and the basic principles of western philosophy. You will study a broad range of central philosophical themes concerning: nature, law, knowledge, happiness and death. The course will begin by examining the first Greek philosophers who were collectively known as the Presocratics. This will lead us on to Socrates, who was the first philosopher to make the shift from questions considering the cosmos to ethical questions. Then we will read extensively from Plato and Aristotle, the most influential philosophers in all of western culture. We will pay particular attention to their ideas on knowledge, metaphysics, politics and cosmology.
| BELFIELD | ||
| 8 Mondays | Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar 4, 11, 25 (no class March 18) | 7.30pm - 9.30pm |
| FEE: €155 | Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment | |
More details here.
The Social Contract
Why do we live in society? The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to a major theme in the ethical and political debates of the modern era: Are we naturally soical or are we individuals who are foreced by necessity to live with others?
We will focus on the three most famous exponents of the “state of nature versus social contract” thought experiment: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Their conceptions of human nature, society, authority, war, property, freedom and the role of the state will be explored. In particular, the course will concentrate on Hobbes' analysis of the social contract theory in relation to man's state of nature, on Locke's social contract theory with an emphasis on his analysis of the distribution of property and on Rousseau's General Will.
Students will be introduced to short sections from each philosopher. This will give them the confidence of familiarity with philosophical arguments as presented in their original forms by their authors. A critical discussion of the ideas presented in the course will be encouraged.
| BELFIELD | ||
6 Mondays
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April 15, 22, 29, May 13, 20, 27
(No Class May 6)
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7.30pm - 9.30pm
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Fee €115
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Print Open Learning Application Form 2012.13 or ring (01) 716-7123 for Laser/credit card payment
| |
More details here.