The main focus of this course is on the philosophy of Immanuel Kant (1724-1804), in particular, on his most influential work, the Critique of Pure Reason (1st ed. 1781; 2nd ed. 1787). Topics to be discussed include Kant’s meta-philosophy, i.e., his refashioning of metaphysics as transcendental philosophy; his account of space and time as forms of human sensibility; his analysis of the understanding; his conception of self-consciousness and his critique of ‘transcendent’ reason. Attention will be paid to how these ideas shaped the development of post-Kantian philosophy, and in particular, German Idealism. Attention will also be given to some influential twentieth-century readings of Kant’s philosophy.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. understand Kant’s meta-philosophy, in particular, the concept of transcendental philosophy, as outlined in the Critique of Pure Reason
2. discuss and analyse key passess in Critique of Pure Reason
3. evaluate key interpretations and critical responses to them in the literature on Kant’s theoretical philosophy
4. understand in general terms how Kant influenced his immediate successors, e.g., Reinhold, Fichte and Hegel
5. engage in philosophical discussion and debate, articulating their interpretations and criticisms of the various ideas discussed throughout the course.
Indicative Assessment
Tutorial presentation and participation (10%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
1 essay of 2,250 words to be submitted mid-semester (45%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
1 essay of 2,250 words, to be submitted at the end of semester (45%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4)
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Workload
This course is required for Philosophy Honours. Offered in alternate years. 20 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials.Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
I. Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, transl. N. Kemp Smith (Macmillan)
Preliminary Reading
Robert C. Solomon and Kathleen M. Higgins (eds.), The Age of German Idealism, London ; New York 1993 (Routledge History of Philosophy, vol. 6), chs 1-7.
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2718 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3876 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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