phil303_2020s
Nineteenth Century Philosophy
(PHIL 303)
Course Description | Course Schedule
Spring 2020
1:50-2:50 MWF
John R. Howard Hall 102
Email: fritzman@lclark.edu
Class email: 20sp-phil-303-01@lclark.edu
Office: John R. Howard Hall 223
Office Hours:
11:30-12:00 MWF
3:00-4:30 MW
and by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Goethe: “The ultimate goal would be: to grasp that everything in the realm of fact is already theory. The blue of the sky reveals to us the basic law of chromatics. Let us not seek for something behind the phenomena—they themselves are the theory.”
Hegel: “A mended sock [is] better than a torn one; not so self-consciousness.”
Novalis: "The proper philosophical system must bring freedom and infinity—or, to put it more paradoxically—systemlessness into a system.”
Schelling: “The beginning is the negation of that which begins with it.”
Wilde: "It seems to me that with the development of the critical spirit we shall be able to realise, not merely our own lives, but the collective life of the race, and so to make ourselves absolutely modern, in the true meaning of the word modernity.... For he [sic] to whom the present is the only thing that is present, knows nothing of the age in which he [sic] lives. To realise the nineteenth century, one must realise every century that has preceded it and that has contributed to its making. To know anything about oneself one must know all about others. There must be no mood with which one cannot sympathise, no dead mode of life that one cannot make alive. The legacies of heredity may make us alter our views of moral responsibility, but they cannot but intensify our sense of the value of Criticism; for the true critic is he [sic] who bears within himself [sic] the dreams and ideas and feelings of myriad generations, and to whom no form of thought is alien, no emotional impulse obscure.”
In this course, we will study nineteenth century German idealism. There are two required texts:
Introducing The German Idealists: Mock Interviews with Kant, Hegel, and Others
by Robert Solomon
Hackett Publishing Company, 1981
Paperback
ISBN-10: 0-915145-03-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-915145-03-4
Retail: $6.50
New: Starting at $4.77
Used: Starting at $2.81
Introducing The German Idealists is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
German Idealism: An Anthology and Guide
edited by Brian O'Connor and George Mohr
The University of Chicago Press, 2007
Paperback
ISBN: 9780226616735
Retail: $37.50
New: Starting at $28.10
Used: Starting at $24.84
German Idealism is available through the College Bookstore, Amazon.com, or Barnes & Noble.
There are also learning outcomes for students who graduate with a major in Philosophy.
In preparation for each class meeting, you should have read the assigned material. You should arrive in class with prepared questions or comments about something in the assigned reading.
Each student will write a précis for almost every reading assignment, complete various research exercises that teach research skills, and write and present in class one assessment on a specific reading assignment. There also will be one argumentative research paper (which includes a prospectus, two drafts, and a mandatory rewrite). And a class presentation of the argumentative research paper on the Final Exam Day.
The précis, research exercises, and class participation will be weighted together and will count for 15% of your final grade. The assessment will count for 20% of your final grade.
The prospectus of your argumentative research paper will count for 5%, the first draft will count for 10%, the second draft will count for 15%, and the final rewrite will count for 30%, and the presentation will count for 5% of your final grade. The grading scale is as follows:
A = 93%-100%
A- = 90%-92%
B+ = 86%-89%
B = 83% 85%
B- = 80%-82%
C+ = 76%-79%
C = 73%-75%
C- = 70%-72%
D+ = 66%-69%
D = 60%-65%
F = 0%-59%.
A précis will be due almost every class session. Each précis will be one typed page—never longer—double-spaced, with 1 inch margins on the right & left sides and the top & bottom. It must be at least 3/4 of a page in length. Use a 12-point Times or Times Roman font. There will be no spelling or grammatical errors in your précis. Your name will be typed in the upper right-hand corner. In each précis, you will summarize—in your own words, without using any quotes—the assigned reading’s mainclaims, as well as the reasons which are given to support those claims. You will not include any opinion, evaluation, or commentary. At the bottom of each précis, or on the back, you will write one question that you have about the reading. I never will accept a late précis, but I will allow you to drop one.
An assessment should be approximately 1500 words, typed, double-spaced. Except for the length, the assessment should follow the same format requirement as the précis. You will sign up for a dates on which you will present your assessments. On the day you present, you will distribute copies to all of the persons in this class. This will require, of course, that you have enough copies made so that each member of the class has one. You first will read your assessment, and then you and I will serve as the main resource persons for fielding questions concerning the material. Since the class discussion will be centered around the assessment, it is crucial that you distribute the assessment the class session when you present it, and that you actually be in class to read your assessment.
The primary purpose of the assessment is to summarize, consolidate, and explicate the central issues, main points, and key motifs of the assigned reading in order to facilitate class discussion of the material. It is important that the assessment contextualize the reading by describing briefly both how the reading is a continuation and development of material which has come before, and how it contributes to the overall trajectory of the thinker’s thought.
It is crucial that you critically engage the reading. You might argue that a claim that the author makes is incorrect, for example, or that a criticism in the secondary literature is incorrect. Alternatively, you might argue that an interpretation advanced in the secondary literature is incorrect. The assessment should reflect an acquaintance with the requisite secondary literature. This means that you must incorporate at least four secondary sources you consulted while writing your assessment.
A student presenting an assessment will not submit a précis of that material too.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy will be useful.
The Philosopher’s Index will be vital for the Assessment and Argumentative Research Paper.
The Chicago Manual of Style’s Citation Quick Guide is online.
There will be an argumentative research paper, 2000 words, typed, double-spaced. It will be on the same topic as your assessment.
You're welcome to consult the Writing Center, located on the main floor of Watzek Library.
Also useful is the Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University.
If you would find it useful to create concept maps, to help write your assessment or argumentative research papers, you can download the software to create them from IHMC Cmap Tools.
All work must be submitted when it is due. Late work—précis, assessments, papers—will not be accepted and will receive no credit.
This class will be successful only if there is a high degree of participation and attendance, and so I want you in class participating. The final grade for the course will be lowered by a full-letter grade if you miss four class sessions, the final grade will be lowered by two full-letter grades if you miss five class sessions, and you will be withdrawn from the course if you miss six or more class sessions. I will not accept make-up work unless you can document the reason for your absence. Documenting the reason for your absence means providing a note from, for example, your doctor explaining why you were absent. Serious illnesses and emergencies will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Throughout the course you are expected to read carefully the assigned material. It is impossible to do well in this course without reading and studying the books. You should spend a minimum of three hours preparing for each class session. Read the assigned material at least twice and take notes on what you read. You are expected to attend all class sessions, come to class having read thoroughly the assigned material, and to contribute to the discussions.
Gorgias of Leontini maintained that “those who neglect philosophy and spend their time on ordinary studies are like the suitors who desired Penelope but slept with her maids.” In philosophy, unlike ordinary studies, there are few right and wrong answers. There are better and worse arguments and ideas, however, usually in direct proportion to thoughtfulness and care. What is important is that you think for yourself, and that you develop and defend your own ideas. It would be an excellent idea to write drafts or outlines of your précis and papers, and to have a comrade read them to check on spelling, grammar, development of arguments, and so forth.
You are strongly encouraged to discuss the class material, your ideas, your puzzles and difficulties with each other. A word to the wise: Find a study partner to discuss things with outside of class. (To see why this is effective for creativity and learning, read Malcolm Gladwell’s article, Group Think: What Does “Saturday Night Live" Have in Common with German Philosophy?, The New Yorker, 2 December 2002, pages 102-107).
There’s a Bollwood tune for every occasion. Click here.
When it comes to finally writing your précis and essays, though, do your own writing. That is the only way you will get the full benefit of your own efforts. I will be happy to discuss ideas with you, read outlines and rough drafts, and so forth. That is partly why I keep office hours.
A final word to the wise. It is not difficult to do well in this class, but it also is easy to do badly. Let me talk about the bad stuff first. You will receive a major grade reduction—or fail this course—if you do not read the material, seldom participate in class discussions, do not write your précis, assessment, or argumentative research paper, plagiarize, cheat, and so forth.
About plagiarizing and cheating. All students are expected to follow Lewis & Clark College’s Academic Integrity Policy. Plagiarizers and cheaters will be given an “F” for the entire course (they will not be allowed to drop or withdraw from the course). I also will turn their cases over to the Honor Board; I will recommend that disciplinary penalties be assessed. It is never in your interest to plagiarize or cheat!
Now for the good stuff. With a concerted effort, you will do well in this class. To do well, you must participate in class discussions, read and study the assigned material, write the précis, assessment, argumentative research paper, be in class (almost) all of the time, etc. I do not grade on a curve, and so there is no good reason why you should not get an “A” for the course!
Course policy on disability accommodation. If you have a disability or learning difference that may impact your academic performance, you may request accommodations by submitting documentation to Student Support Services, located in Albany 206 (access@lclark.edu, 503-768-7156). They will notify me of the accommodations for which you are eligible
Course withdrawals. You may drop this course on WebAdvisor by Friday of the second week of class, and no W grade will appear on your transcript.
After the second week and before 4:00 pm on Friday, April 24, you can withdraw from the course by submitting a Course Withdrawal form to the Registrar’s Office. In this case, a W grade will appear on your transcript.
The last day to withdraw is Friday, April 24. It is not possible for you to withdraw from the course after that date. At that point, you will need to complete the course, and receive whatever grade you have earned.
If you have questions or concerns about your performance in the course, please talk with me before April 24.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Friedrich Schlegel: “There are writers who drink the absolute like water; and books in which even the dogs refer to the infinite.”
Week 1
Discussion of research.
Wednesday, January 22:
Introduction to the course.
Read:
Jim Pryor’s Guidelines on Reading Philosophy,
Malcolm Gladwell’s Group Think, and
Colin McQuillan’s article on German Idealism.
Friday, January 24:
Introducing The German Idealists,
pages 1-41; précis.
Week 2
Discussion of (annotated) bibliography, reasons for citations, proper quoting (block or in-line).
Monday, January 27:
Introducing The German Idealists,
pages 43-85; précis.
Sign-up for Assessment.
Wednesday, January 29:
O'Connor and Mohr, “Introduction”,
pages 1-26; précis.
Self and Knowledge
Friday, January 31:
Kant, Critique of Pure Reason: Transcendental Deduction B
pages 29-39; précis.
Research Exercise for Monday: Write a précis on the topic of your Assessment (and Argumentative Research Paper).
Week 3
Discussion of search procedures for articles and books.
Monday, February 3:
Fichte, Science of Knowledge: First Introduction
pages 40-60; précis.
Wednesday, February 5:
Schelling, “Of the I as the Principle of Philosophy”
pages 61-73; précis.
Friday, February 7:
Schelling, “Of the I as the Principle of Philosophy”
pages 73-80; précis.
Research Exercise for Monday: Find one book and one article that will be relevant to your Assessment. Provide one block quote from the book and one in-line quote from the article. List the book and the article in proper format for bibliography.
Week 4
Discussion on using the Arts & Humanities Citation Index and the Philosopher’s Index.
Freedom and Morality
Monday, February 10:
Hegel, Phenomenology of the Spirit: Introduction
pages 81-91; précis.
Wednesday, February 12:
Kant, Critique of Practical Reason: Of the Principles of Pure Practical Reason
pages 95-113; précis.
Friday, February 14:
Fichte, System of the Science of Ethics: Deduction of the Principle of Ethics
pages 114-127; précis.
Research Exercise for Monday: In proper bibliographical format, list three new articles that you found through the Arts & Humanities Citation Index or the Philosopher’s Index that are relevant to your Assessment.
Week 5
Discussion of annotated bibliography and reliability of sources.
Monday, February 17:
Hegel, Phenomenology of the Spirit: Lordship and Bondage
pages 128-137; précis.
Wednesday, February 19:
Schelling: Philosophical Investigations into the Essence of Human Freedom: The Concept of Freedom
pages 138-148; précis.
Law and State
Friday, February 21:
Kant, Metaphysics of Morals: Introduction to the Doctrine of Right; The Right of a State
pages 151-161; précis.
Week 6
Discussion of note taking and perusing for content.
Monday, February 24:
Fichte, Foundations of Natural Right: Civil Society; The State
pages 162-173; précis.
Assessment: Kat Altaffer.
Wednesday, February 26:
Fichte, Foundations of Natural Right: Civil Society; The State
pages 174-189; précis.
Assessment: Eytan Camras.
Friday, February 28:
Hegel, Elements of the Philosophy of Right: Civil Society; The State
pages 190-208; précis.
Assessment: Jackson Evans.
Exercise for Monday: Submit a 3-5 page Prospectus of your argumentative research paper in which you:
(1) indicate your topic and thesis.
(2) describe the problem or issue to be treated.
(3) outline your anticipated procedure and probable conclusion.
(4) include an annotated bibliography of works to be consulted (a minimum of six books or articles, with at least a paragraph discussing the relevance of each work to your project).
Week 7
Discussion of formulating a thesis: prospectus, outlines, drafts, revisions.
Monday, March 2:
Prospectus of Argumentative Research Paper due.
Beauty and Art
Wednesday, March 4:
Kant, Critique of Judgment: Analytic of the Beautiful
pages 211-229; précis.
Assessment: Jack Srere.
Friday, March 6:
Schiller, On the Aesthetic Education of Man: Letters 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, 15
pages 230-247; précis.
Assessment: Carlos Hernandez.
Week 8
Discussion of articulating a thesis: arguments, objections, replies.
Monday, March 9:
Schelling: System of Transcendental Idealism: Part VI (Essentials of the Philosophy of Art)
pages 248-261; précis.
Assessment: Kenneth Leja.
Wednesday, March 11:
Hegel: Lectures on Aesthetics: Introduction
pages 262-279; précis.
Assessment: Andrew Butcher.
History and Reason
Friday, March 13:
Kant, “Idea for a Universal History from a Cosmopolitan Point of View”
pages 283-295; précis.
Assessment: Anthony Kolshorn.
Exercise for Monday: Submit the First Draft of your Argumentative Research Paper.
Week 9
Monday, March 16:
First Draft of Argumentative Research Paper due.
Wednesday, March 18:
Schelling, System of Transcendental Idealism: Deduction of the Concept of History
pages 296-308.
Friday, March 16:
Class canceled: Midsouth Philosophy Conference
Week 10
Monday, March 23:
Spring Break
Wednesday, March 25:
Spring Break
Friday, March 27
Spring Break
Week 11
Monday, March 30:
Fichte, The Characteristics of the Present Age: Lecture 1 and 2
pages 309-320.
Assessment: Anna Kates.
Wednesday, April 1:
Hegel, Lectures on the Philosophy of World History: Introduction
pages 321-342.
Assessment: Roan Xerxes.
Nature and Science
Friday, April 3:
Kant, Critique of Judgment: Critique of Teleological Judgment
pages 345-364.
Assessment: Joy Pajarla.
Exercise for the Monday: Submit the Second Draft of your Argumentative Research Paper.
Week 12
Monday, April 6:
Second Draft of Argumentative Research Paper due.
Wednesday, April 8:
Class canceled: Pacific APA
Friday, April 10:
Class canceled: Pacific APA
Week 13
Monday, April 13:
Schelling, Introduction to the Outline of a System of the Philosophy of Nature
pages 365-379.
Assessment: Diego Kagle.
Wednesday, April 15:
Hegel, Existence: Philosophy of Nature: Introduction
pages 380-406.
Assessment: Miron Banjac.
Friday, April 17:
Class Canceled: Festival of Scholars and Artists
This is a campus-wide celebration of student work. It is an opportunity to discuss research, to exhibit, perform, or appreciate art, and to cross disciplinary boundaries. You are required to participate, either by presenting your work or attending presentations by your fellow students.
Week 14
God and Religion
Monday, April 20:
Kant: Critique of Practical Reason: The Existence of God as a Postulate of Pure Practical Reason
pages 409-417.
Assessment: Nate Peterson.
Wednesday, April 22:
Fichte, “On the Foundation of Our Belief in a Divine Government of the World”
pages 418-426.
Friday, April 24:
Schelling, The Ages of the World: The Eternal Life of the Godhead
pages 427-448.
Week 15
Monday, April 27:
Hegel, Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion: The Relation of the Philosophy of Religion to the Current Principles of the Religious Consciousness; The Concept of Religion
pages 449-466.
Wednesday, April 29:
Concluding discussions.
Week 16
Monday, May 4:
Final rewrite of argumentative paper due by 4:00 PM.
Presentation of paper.
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J. M. Fritzman
Department of Philosophy
Lewis & Clark College
0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Portland, OR 97219-7899
USA
503-768-7477
503-768-7359 (fax)
Updated on 27 April 2020