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DESCARTES, HOBBES, SPINOZA

Module code: PH350
Credits: 5
Semester: 1
Department: PHILOSOPHY
International:

	Overview
	This module aims to present, discuss and criticize some of the main philosophical achievements of three canonical figures in early modern philosophy: Ren� Descartes (1596�1650), Thomas Hobbes (1588�1679) and Baruch Spinoza (1632�1677), in the context of the new philosophical and scientific discourse of the 17th century. We shall examine their contributions to the formation of different aspects of modernity on the one hand and their critique of the �men of the schools� (i.e., contemporary scholastic philosophers and their �traditional methods�), on the other hand.

Overview

This module aims to present, discuss and criticize some of the main philosophical achievements of three canonical figures in early modern philosophy: Ren� Descartes (1596�1650), Thomas Hobbes (1588�1679) and Baruch Spinoza (1632�1677), in the context of the new philosophical and scientific discourse of the 17th century. We shall examine their contributions to the formation of different aspects of modernity on the one hand and their critique of the �men of the schools� (i.e., contemporary scholastic philosophers and their �traditional methods�), on the other hand.

	Learning Outcomes
	On successful completion of the module, students should be able to: point out and describe the distinctive philosophical achievements of Descartes, Hobbes and Spinoza; identify the relations between Descartes, Hobbes and Spinoza, with particular reference to central concepts of common philosophical concern, such as substance, knowledge and nature; elaborate and evaluate some of the central tenets promoted by these three philosophers and their contributions to the emergence of modern philosophical thought; discriminate between compliance and deviance from conceptions of science in the transition from late medieval and Renaissance thought to the modern period; compare various methods of �old� and �new� metaphysics that are deployed in the development of early modern thought and are of relevance to the articulation of the philosophies of Descartes, Hobbes and Spinoza.

Learning Outcomes

Teaching & Learning methods

Assessment

	Autumn Supplementals/Resits
	Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes final essay assignment 3,000 words Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment registration permitted? Yes Is Supplemental Continuous Assessment capped? No

	Timetable
	This timetable is not currently available, please contact the Philosophy Department.

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DESCARTES, HOBBES, SPINOZA