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.
| Paper title | Early Modern Philosophy B: Locke, Berkeley, Hume |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHIL232 |
| Subject | Philosophy |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $955.05 |
| 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
- More information link
- 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.
