Nineteenth Century Philosophy
(PHIL 303)
Course Description | Course Schedule
Spring 2022
1:50-2:50 MWF
John R. Howard Hall, Room 123
Email:
Class email:
Office:
John R. Howard Hall, Room 223
Office Hours:
10:30-12:00 & 3:00-4:30 MWF in Howard 223
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
Introducing The German Idealists is available through the College Bookstore or Amazon.com. It is also available online at
https://archive.org/details/introducinggerma00solo
German Idealism: An Anthology and Guide
edited by Brian O'Connor and George Mohr
The University of Chicago Press, 2007
Paperback
ISBN-10: 0226616738
ISBN-13: 9780226616735
German Idealism is available through the College Bookstore, or Amazon.com. It is also available though the Watzek Library at
https://library.lclark.edu/coursereserves?id=97043278250001844
Download a free copy of Microsoft's Office 365 Education—which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Teams—at
https://products.office.com/en-us/student/office-in-education.
All material must be submitted as a docx file. Other file formats, such as PDFs, Google docs, and pages, are not acceptable.
During Zoom class sessions, you must always have your camera and audio turned on.
There are 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, three drafts, one of which is the assessment, 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 2500 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, 2500 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!
The Writing Center is available for remote consultations on Zoom all semester. There are two ways to work with the Center:
Drop in Peer Tutoring. Tutoring hours will be 3:00-10:00 PM on Sundays-Thursdays. No appointment is needed—just sign in through the website and you can usually see a tutor right away.
Appointments with the Director. You can book consultation appointments with John Holzwarth throughout the semester. Appointments are often available on short notice.
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 The Office of Student Accessibility. They will notify me of the accommodations for which you are eligible.
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 19:
Introduction to the course. Read:
Malcolm Gladwell's "Group Think" in the New Yorker.
Ethan Watters, "We Aren't the World", Pacific Standard.
Joseph Henrich, Steven J. Heine, and Ara Norenzayan, "The Weirdest People in the World?", Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Volume 33:2-3, June 2010, pages 61-83.
Colin McQuillan’s article on German Idealism.
Friday, January 21:
Introducing The German Idealists,
pages 1-41.
Week 2
Discussion of (annotated) bibliography, reasons for citations, proper quoting (block or in-line).
Sign-up for an Assessment by Monday. Email me if you prefer a specific date, otherwise I'll assign one to you.
Monday, January 24:
Introducing The German Idealists,
pages 43-85.
Sign-up for Assessment.
Wednesday, January 26:
O'Connor and Mohr, “Introduction”,
pages 1-26.
Self and Knowledge
Friday, January 28:
Kant, Critique of Pure Reason: Transcendental Deduction B
pages 29-39.
Exercise for Monday: Find two articles (or one book and one article) that will be relevant to your Assessment. Provide one block quote and one in-line quote. List the articles (or the book and the article) in proper format for bibliography. Submit this in a .docx file, attached to an email.
Week 3
Discussion of search procedures for articles and books.
Monday, January 31:
Fichte, Science of Knowledge: First Introduction
pages 40-60.
Wednesday, February 2:
Schelling, “Of the I as the Principle of Philosophy”
pages 61-73.
Friday, February 4:
Schelling, “Of the I as the Principle of Philosophy”
pages 73-80.
Exercise for Monday: Find two additional articles (or one book and one article) that will be relevant to your Assessment. Provide one block quote and one in-line quote. List the articles (or the book and the article) in proper format for bibliography. Submit this in a .docx file, attached to an email.
Week 4
Discussion on using the Philosopher’s Index.
Monday, February 7:
Hegel, Phenomenology of the Spirit: Introduction
pages 81-91; précis.
Freedom and Morality
Wednesday, February 9:
Kant, Critique of Practical Reason: Of the Principles of Pure Practical Reason
pages 95-113; précis.
Friday, February 11:
Fichte, System of the Science of Ethics: Deduction of the Principle of Ethics
pages 114-127; précis.
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 5
Monday, February 14:
Prospectus of Argumentative Research Paper due at 3:00 PM.
Wednesday, February 16:
Hegel, Phenomenology of the Spirit: Lordship and Bondage
pages 128-137; précis.
Friday, February 18:
Schelling: Philosophical Investigations into the Essence of Human Freedom: The Concept of Freedom
pages 138-148; précis.
Law and State
Week 6
Monday, February 21:
Kant, Metaphysics of Morals: Introduction to the Doctrine of Right; The Right of a State
pages 151-161; précis.
Assessment: Austin Schmidberger.
Discussion: Allie Levin, Manuela Salzgerber, Miles Voenell.
Wednesday, February 23:
Fichte, Foundations of Natural Right: Civil Society; The State
pages 162-173; précis.
Assessment: Allie Levin.
Discussion: Manuela Salzgerber, Austin Schmidberger, Miles Voenell.
Friday, February 25:
Fichte, Foundations of Natural Right: Civil Society; The State
pages 174-189; précis.
Assessment: Manuela Salzgerber.
Discussion: Allie Levin, Austin Schmidberger, Miles Voenell.
Week 7
Monday, February 28:
Hegel, Elements of the Philosophy of Right: Civil Society; The State
pages 190-208; précis.
Assessment: Miles Voenell.
Discussion: Allie Levin, Manuela Salzgerber, Austin Schmidberger.
Beauty and Art
Wednesday, March 2:
Kant, Critique of Judgment: Analytic of the Beautiful
pages 211-229; précis.
Assessment: Lulu Raheem.
Discussion: Kaila Bunting and Clayton Etulain.
Friday, March 4:
Schiller, On the Aesthetic Education of Man: Letters 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14, 15
pages 230-247; précis.
Discussion: Kaila Bunting, Clayton Etulain, Lulu Raheem.
Week 8
Monday, March 7:
Schelling, System of Transcendental Idealism: Part VI (Essentials of the Philosophy of Art)
pages 248-261; précis.
Assessment: Clayton Etulain.
Discussion: Kaila Bunting and Lulu Raheem.
Wednesday, March 9:
Hegel, Lectures on Aesthetics: Introduction
pages 262-279; précis.
Assessment: Kaila Bunting.
Discussion: Clayton Etulain and Lulu Raheem.
History and Reason
Friday, March 11:
Kant, “Idea for a Universal History from a Cosmopolitan Point of View”
pages 283-295; précis.
Assessment: Lyssa Kemble.
Discussion: Jonah Goldin-Dubois, Annika Vaaler.
Week 9
Monday, March 14:
Schelling, System of Transcendental Idealism: Deduction of the Concept of History
pages 296-308; précis.
Assessment: Annika Vaaler.
Discussion: Jonah Goldin-Dubois, Lyssa Kemble.
Wednesday, March 16:
Fichte, The Characteristics of the Present Age: Lecture 1 and 2
pages 309-320; précis.
Discussion: Jonah Goldin-Dubois, Lyssa Kemble, Annika Vaaler.
Friday, March 18:
First Draft of Argumentative Research Paper due at 3:00 PM.
Week 10
Monday, March 21:
Spring Break
Wednesday, March 23:
Spring Break
Friday, March 25
Spring Break
Week 11
Monday, March 28:
Hegel, Lectures on the Philosophy of World History: Introduction
pages 321-342; précis.
Assessment: Jonah Goldin-Dubois.
Discussion: Lyssa Kemble, Annika Vaaler.
Nature and Science
Wednesday, March 30:
Kant, Critique of Judgment: Critique of Teleological Judgment, pages 345-364; précis.
Assessment: Andrew Launier.
Discussion: Sam Gilbertson.
Friday, April 1:
Schelling, Introduction to the Outline of a System of the Philosophy of Nature
pages 365-379; précis.
Assessment: Sam Gilbertson.
Discussion: Andrew Launier.
Exercise for the Monday: Submit the Second Draft of your Argumentative Research Paper.
Week 12
Monday, April 4:
Second Draft of Argumentative Research Paper due at 3:00 PM.
Wednesday, April 6:
Hegel, Existence: Philosophy of Nature: Introduction
pages 380-406; précis.
Discussion: Sam Gilbertson, Andrew Launier.
Friday, April 8:
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.
God and Religion
Week 13
Monday, April 11:
Class canceled due to snow and downed power lines.
Wednesday, April 13:
Friday, April 15:
Week 14
Monday, April 18:
Kant: Critique of Practical Reason: The Existence of God as a Postulate of Pure Practical Reason
pages 409-417; précis.
Assessment: Chirayu Shah.
Discussion: Zandra Belmonte, Gavin Patchet, Paul Pan, MJ Pierce.
Wednesday, April 20:
Fichte, “On the Foundation of Our Belief in a Divine Government of the World”
pages 418-426; précis.
Assessment: Paul Pan.
Discussion: Zandra Belmonte, Gavin Patchet, MJ Pierce, Chirayu Shah.
Friday, April 22:
Schelling, The Ages of the World: The Eternal Life of the Godhead
pages 427-448; précis.
Assessment: Zandra Belmonte.
Discussion: Gavin Patchet, Paul Pan, MJ Pierce, Chirayu Shah.
Week 15
Monday, April 25:
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; précis.
Assessment: MJ Pierce.
Discussion: Zandra Belmonte, Gavin Patchet, Paul Pan, Chirayu Shah.
Wednesday, April 27:
Concluding discussions.
Francis X. Clooney, SJ. 2021. "Much Ado about Nothing? Encounter with Bhagavad Gītā 6.25." The Owl of Minerva 52(1/2).
https://doi.org/10.5840/owl202153137
pages 51-71; précis.
Assessment: Gavin Patchet.
Discussion: Zandra Belmonte, Paul Pan, MJ Pierce, Chirayu Shah
Friday, April 29:
Reading Day.
Week 16
Monday, May 2, 1:00 PM:
Due: Argumentative Research Papers.
Presentation of Argumentative Research Paper.
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J. M. Fritzman
Department of Philosophy
Lewis & Clark College
615 South Palatine Hill Road
Portland, OR 97219-8091
USA