Existentialism (PHIL*2170)

Code and section: PHIL*2170*01

Term: Fall 2021

Instructor: James Belford

Details

Method of Delivery:

This course will be taught in person, with two lectures per week. 

Course Synopsis:

This course is designed as a general survey for existentialism and will be divided into four units. It will begin by introducing existentialism with Sartre followed by analysing the potentially constraining character of intersubjectivity with Sartre and Fanon. We will then introduce the notions of absurdity and ambiguity, along with any ethics that can be derived from these concepts. This segment will involve Camus and de Beauvoir. The third unit deals with existentialism’s relation with God and faith through Nietzsche and Kierkegaard. To conclude, we will use the literature of Tolstoy to introduce the topic of Being-toward-death.

Assignments & Means of Evaluation:

• The Best two of three Essays - (30% each, 60% total)
• Small Group Work Questions - 10%
• Seminar Participation - 5%
• Final exam - 25%

Required Textbooks:

None (all the readings will be on Ares)

Please note:  This is a preliminary web course outline only.  The Philosophy Department reserves the right to change without notice any information in this description.  The final, binding course outline will be distributed in the first class of the semester.