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    Overview

    The central issues in the philosophy of Locke and its subsequent impact on the philosophy of Berkeley and Hume.

    This paper in the history of philosophy has as its primary focus the study of three of the most influential British thinkers of the early modern period: John Locke, George Berkeley, and David Hume. We will study and discuss Locke's main texts and the influence they had on both Berkeley and Hume.

    About this paper

    Paper title Early Modern Philosophy B: Locke, Berkeley, Hume
    Subject Philosophy
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One PHIL paper or 72 points
    Restriction
    PHIL 201, PHIL 220, PHIL 320 and PHIL 332
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Contact
    michael.lebuffe@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Course co-ordinator and lecturer: Professor Michael LeBuffe

    Paper Structure

    In the first part of the paper, we examine Locke's "Essay Concerning Human Understanding", focusing on his theory of ideas, his accounts of knowledge and belief, and his metaphysics. We then turn to Berkeley's "Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge", emphasizing Berkeley's responses to Locke and his idealism. Finally, we turn to Hume's "Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding". We emphasise his theory of impressions and ideas and his views on causation.

    Teaching Arrangements

    We meet twice a week, in two two-hour sessions.

    Textbooks
    • Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Edited by Nidditch. Oxford University Press.
    • Berkeley, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge. Edited by Winkler. Hackett.
    • Hume, Enquiries Concerning Human Understanding and Concerning the Principles of Morals. Edited by Nidditch. Oxford University Press.
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Research.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:

    • Present, criticise and defend the positions and central arguments of Locke, Berkeley, and Hume.
    • Demonstrate understanding and correct use of philosophical concepts involved in the paper.
    • Explain different accounts of the relation between scientific practices in 17th- and 18th-century Europe and the authors' positions in metaphysics and epistemology.
    • Explain different accounts of the relation between religious practices in 17th- and 18th-century Europe and the authors' positions in metaphysics and epistemology.
    • Demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of central course texts.
    • Use texts effectively in written interpretative argument.

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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