Early Modern Women Philosophers

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Early Modern Women Philosophers: Themes on Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Science
Leerdoelen	(1) First, this course will provide students with knowledge of central topics in metaphysics, philosophy of science, and the integration of the two in the Early Modern period. These themes include the nature of reality, the mind-body problem, the metaphysical foundations of science, the laws of nature, scientific explanation, time, identity, and God. (2) Second, it will diversify a superficial picture of the history of philosophy by introducing the views and arguments of women philosophers and, in doing so, it will also refer to questions on the very formation of the Western philosophical canon. (3) Third, with a combination of primary sources and secondary literature, it will contribute to the further development of key philosophical abilities such as the analysis and commentary of primary sources, the identification, reconstruction, and assessment of arguments in these texts, and the critical comparison of authors. On completion of this course, students will be able to: Demonstrate a well-rounded view of central topics in metaphysics and natural philosophy in the Early Modern period Demonstrate knowledge of the contributions and influence of key women philosophers in the Early Modern period Engage with primary texts by identifying and assessing arguments Address philosophical ideas in a clear, original, and charitable manner Engage in independent research work in the field of history of philosophy
Omschrijving	This course will introduce students to the contributions of Early Modern women philosophers and scientists (i.e. natural philosophers) to key topics in metaphysics and philosophy of science. Is there a mind-body problem? What is the ultimate structure of the natural world? What is the status of the laws of nature? What are space and time? These aresome of the questions that will be examined in the writings of Elizabeth of Bohemia, Margaret Cavendish, Anne Conway, Émilie du Châtelet, Mary Astell, and Damaris Masham. These natural philosophers have been relegated to the footnotes of a standard narrative of the history of European philosophy (when not vanished from it altogether) —yet the depth, richness, and length of their contributions indicate that this omission is not due to lack of intellectual merit. The reasons underlying this gap are diverse and complex, but misogyny has certainly played an important role. These thinkers were, in fact, often recognised by their contemporaries, and they were friends and correspondents of other leading philosophers at the time, such as René Descartes, John Locke, or Gottfried W. Leibniz. This course is in line with the current methodological shift in the field of the history of philosophy towards a more accurate, complete and intellectually honest discipline.
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	(Mixed: Lecture and Seminar (Each two-hour seminar will include a 1-hour lecture and 1-hour discussion))
Toetsvorm	(Final Essay)
Vaksoort	bachelor
Coördinator	Dr. A.P. Ortín Nadal
Docent(en)	Dr. A.P. Ortín Nadal
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs A reading list will be made available to the students in due time. All materials will be available from the library.
Entreevoorwaarden	Knowledge of Early Modern philosophy is desirable but not required
Opmerkingen
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type Ba Filosofie 3 semester I b keuze Bachelor Exchange Courses - semester I b keuze