PHIL 421.001 – Rationalism

Instructor: Alan Nelson. This course meets T 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. in CW 213.

An intensive study of Descartes. We will emphasize metaphysics and epistemology, but will also cover some aspects of his ethics, philosophy of science and mathematics, logic, and rational theology. We will conclude by surveying some later developments in post-Cartesian thinkers including, at least, Spinoza.  Graduate students will write a 6000 word term paper.  Undergraduates will have a take-home midterm and write a 3000 word term paper.

To enroll as an undergraduate one must be a junior or senior declared major in Philosophy or obtain permission from the instructor.