PH 490 - Core Texts In 19th And 20th Century German Philosophy

An introduction to the various traditions of philosophical thinking in Germany which trace the history of ideas as well as the political and social situation in Germany. The most important philosophers (Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Dilthey, Heidegger, Adorno, Gadamer and Habermas) are introduced in their specific historical and political contexts, followed by discussion and analysis of selected excerpts from their most important works. Students develop a more thorough understanding of political culture in modern Germany, tracing the repercussions of ideas that extend into the present day. The selected philosophical texts also magnify cultural differences and similarities, thus heightening students' awareness of their own country's philosophical and political tradition and leading to the development of their own intercultural competence.