PHIL 393 - Reading Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

Participants in this course undertake an indepth, rigorous reading of Immanuel Kant’s Critque of Pure Reason. First published in 1781, Kant’s “First Critique” is one of the most important texts in the western philosophical tradition. It is also one of the most difficult, and often misunderstood. Over the course of the semester we work through work through both A and B editions of the book, and cover the Transcendental Aesthetic, Analytic, and Dialectic, as well as sections of the Doctrine of Method. Students are expected to read the book carefully, paying particular attention to the methodological approach developed and refined by Kant over the course of the First Critique. We meet once a week to discuss a substantial portion of the text. Students should have prior experience studying the history of philosophy, preferably within the western philosophical tradition (e.g., Plato through Hume). We read the Critque of Pure Reason in English, but students with any knowledge of German are encouraged to also consult the original. Jamie Kelly.

Prerequisite(s): Two intermediate or advanced philosophy courses (preferably in the history of philosophy), or permission of the instructor.

One 3-hour period.

Course Format: INT