| CODE | PHI2029 | ||||||
| TITLE | Early Modern Ideas: Science, Politics and Religion | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Philosophy | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit introduces students to thinkers and ideas of the early modern period (c. 1500–1650). Overlapping with what is sometimes referred to as Renaissance philosophy, it examines the emergence of new scientific, political and religious ideas that shaped modernity. Special attention will be given to philosophers who are not usually included in the canon of Anglophone history of philosophy, which often neglects the period between the Middle Ages and Descartes. The study-unit also looks at the philosophical elements in the works of luminaries such as Galileo, the contributions of women writers of the period, and the intellectual correspondence network known as the respublica literaria (the ‘Republic of Letters’). Methodologically, this study-unit introduces students to the methods of intellectual history, which lies at the interface between philosophy and history (including the philosophy and history of science and religion, and the history of political thought). Past ideas are examined with reference to their cultural, political, social, scientific, and religious contexts, as well as to the biographies and relationships of their originators. Although this study-unit is not strictly text-based, its contextual approach is intended to encourage a more meaningful engagement with early modern texts. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to introduce students to (a) key figures and themes in early modern philosophy and intellectual history, and (b) techniques and methodologies in intellectual history. Students will also be guided to analyze, articulate and present aspects of key philosophical debates in the early modern period. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Consolidate their earlier knowledge of modern philosophy by placing it within its broader historical and cultural context; - Engage critically with primary texts in early modern philosophy and intellectual history; - Analyze more closely early modern texts and; - Appreciate different methodologies applied to the study of early modern philosophy and intellectual history; - Identify and review relevant secondary literature concerning specific authors and/or themes in early modern philosophy and intellectual history. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Identify and reflect upon key concepts and debates in the early modern philosophy; - Read analytically and critically a selection of texts in early modern philosophy; - Engage in meaningful discussions on the main themes covered in the study-unit; - Present coherent arguments related to topics early modern intellectual history and philosophy and their bearing on contemporary ideas; - Write an assignment on a specific author/theme/text of the early modern period. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Seminar | ||||||
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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 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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