First-Year Seminar in Philosophy (109-6-21)

Topic

The End of History: Philosophical Perspectives

Instructors

Mark Vinzenz Alznauer
847/491-2559
Kresge 3-417

Meeting Info

Locy Hall 318: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

In this course, we will read four short works on the concept and value of history by several of the most important figures in modern philosophy: Kant, Hegel, Marx, and Nietzsche. These influential works address questions such as: does history give evidence of human progress? How can major historical transformations and revolutions be explained? Is a developed historical sense healthy or dangerous? We will also look at some Twentieth Century responses to these proposals by figures such as Walter Benjamin, Hannah Arendt, and Francis Fukuyama. In class, we will engage in close reading of all texts.

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only