Descartes and Spinoza

Inleiding

The course Descartes and Spinoza addresses the main difference between metaphysical, epistemological, anthropological, natural- & moral philosophical ideas

Content

Attending Turorial seminars is not compulsary, but making the assignments is. For this reason, attending Tutorial seminars is highly recommended. 

The lectures will be recorded.

Towards the end of the sixteenth century, the Aristotelian conception of the sciences seemed to have passed its expiry date. Many novatores in philosophy were inspired to develop methodological innovations in order to find new ways of coming to know more about nature, yet it was only in the work of René Descartes (1596-1650) that the “new philosophy” developed into a real alternative for the complete body of Aristotelian thought. Descartes’ mechanistic view of nature would prove fruitful in the field of natural philosophy and would inspire him to formulate a new metaphysical conception of man. In the hands of Benedictus de Spinoza (1632-1677), Descartes’ mechanistic approach came to affect questions of ethics and politics as well, leading to drastic changes in the interpretation of human mental life and human freedom.
Besides discussing Descartes and Spinoza, this course will sketch the broader historical context in which their work emerged, by focussing on humanist alternatives in ethics and politics, such as that of Hugo Grotius (1583-1645); alternative mechanistic philosophies, such as those of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679); alternative metaphysics, such as those of Platonists and Occasionalists; and alternative methodologies, such as those of Isaac Newton (1643-1727) and Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).

Prior knowledge

No prior knowledge is necessary. 

Language

English; lectures will be recorded.

Period

Bachelor 2, block 3B; 13 March until 15 April 2023

Course guide & literature

Please consult the course guide for the precise timetable and literature of this course. The timetable will be published by the end of July.