| CODE | PHI2009 | ||||||
| TITLE | Contemporary Continental Philosophy: (a) Structuralism & Post Structuralism (b) Critical Theory | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Philosophy | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Structuralism and Post-Structuralism Structuralism is appealing to some critics because it adds a certain objectivity, a scientific objectivity. Post-structuralism and deconstruction can be seen as the theoretical formulations of the post-modern condition rooted in a denial that there are any foundations to scientific inquiry or scientific theories. This study-unit will focus on the thought of key authors whose perspectives have brought into focus the controversies of such issues with reference to questions concerning the meaning of life, the purpose of existence, the nature of the subject, truth and values. Assessment will be based on regular attendance and participation. Students will be expected to present a seminar presentation for discussion in class, followed by a fuller and tidied version of the paper, at the end of the course, for final assessment. Critical Theory This study-unit is a study of the philosophical and sociological thought of early Frankfurt School Critical Theory, whose ambition was to extend classical German philosophy and Marx's thought into the critical theory of all aspects of society. To be considered shall be the writings of such critical theorists as Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, Benjamin and Habermas who inspired the formation and self understanding of the New Left. Since this tradition is wide-ranging in its methods and object-domains, we will focus on the analysis of modem rationality that underpins the project. The course concludes with a study of Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action. Assessment will be based on regular attendance and participation. Students will be expected to present a seminar presentation for discussion in class, followed by a fuller and tidied version of the paper, at the end of the course, for final assessment. Reading List - Cavid Couzens Hoy and McCarthy, R., Critical Theory - Held, D., Introduction to Critical Theory: Horkheimer to Habermas - Best, S., and Kellner, D., Postmodern Theory - Sturrock, J., Structuralism and Since |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Anthony D. Spiteri |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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