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Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' I (313-1-21)

Instructors

Rachel Zuckert
8474912556
Kresge 3-425

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 215: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

In this course, we will discuss Kant's central doctrine concerning knowledge: transcendental idealism, or the claim that human beings can know objects as they appear to us, but not as they are in themselves. We will examine Kant's consequent claims that on this view he can respond to skeptical challenges to the possibility of human knowledge.

Learning Objectives

Students will gain familiarity with the technical terminology and basic claims and structure of Kant's critical philosophy.

Teaching Method

Mixed lecture and discussion.

Evaluation Method

Grades will be based on: class participation (15%); informal writing assignments (10%); quizzes (15%); two papers (60%).

Class Materials (Required)

Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, Allen Wood and Paul Guyer trans. (Cambridge 1997). ISBN 0521657296

In coursepack/on Canvas: Descartes, Meditations 1-3. Hume, Treatise on Human Nature, Selby-Bigge and Nidditch, eds., second edition (Oxford 1978) (selections). Hume, Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Selby-Bigge and Nidditch, eds., third edition (Oxford 1975). (selections) Kant, Prolegomena to any Future Metaphysics, in Kant, Theoretical Philosophy after 1781, Henry Allison and Peter Heath eds., Gary Hatfield trans. (Cambridge 2002). (selections) Allen Wood, Kant, Blackwell (selections).

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.