Contemporary Philosophy

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical-practical classes, involving the mandatory reading of at least one work by each of the philosophers studied.

Teaching and learning include theoretical presentations on the main topics and discussion based on texts by the philosophers studied.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to develop an understanding of the authors and philosophical issues addressed, as well as research/reading skills and the ability to think (which is always “critical”) and to present their ideas orally and in writing.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction

1. The problematics of teaching the history of philosophy: Thought / Philosophy and History of Philosophy

2. Chronological and theoretical definition of contemporary philosophy.

3. Distinguishing features of contemporary philosophy.

4. Chief currents in contemporary philosophy

 

II. Contemporary philosophy from S. Kierkegaard to Jacques Derrida

I. Critics of modernity

1. S. Kierkegaard

2. F. Nietzsche

3. S. Freud

 

III. The philosophers of existence

1. E. Husserl

2. M. Heidegger

 

IV. The philosophers of alterity

1. E. Levinas

2. J. Derrida.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Fernanda Bernardo Alves

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 20.0%
Mini Tests: 30.0%
Research work: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Châtelet, História da Filosofia, volumes 7 e 8, D. Quixote, Lisboa, 1977.
- G. Hottois, De la Renaissance à la Postmodernité, De Boeck, Bruxelles, 1997.
- Jean-Louis Dumas, Histoire de la Pensée. Les Temps Modernes, Poche, Paris, 1993.
- Bréhier, Emile, Histoire de la Philosophie - XIX et XX siècles, PUF, Paris, 1981.