BASS Sociology and Philosophy

The course unit will involve a close reading of key sections of Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, undoubtedly one of the most important works in the history of philosophy. We will address such central topics as: Kant's claims concerning the a priority of the fundamental principles of mathematics and geometry; Kant's case for the ideality of space and time; the duality of concepts and intuitions; the transcendental deduction of the categories; Kant's treatment of the concepts of substance and causality; the proper interpretation of Kant's transcendental idealism; the nature of transcendental arguments.

The course aims to:

- introduce students to the Kant's metaphysical and epistemological position, as articulated in his Critique of Pure Reason
- present the historical and philosophical context in which Kant's philosophy was developed.
- lay the basis for an understanding of Kant's influence on the subsequent history of philosophy.

-Lectures (20 hours): delivery of content. 

-Tutorials (10 hours): small group discussion will facilitate student engagement. 

-Office Hours: students will have access to the course convenor through regular office hours.

-VLE: learning materials (reading lists, lecture slides, etc.) available online (asynchronous). 

-Essay Plans: students will be encouraged to submit essay plans for formative feedback.

-Identify the main philosophical questions arising in Kant's First Critique. 

-Clearly articulate Kant's philosophical claims.

-Evaluate Kant's claims and arguments. 

-Relate Kant's philosophy to other areas of philosophical inquiry. 

-Evaluate Kantian philosophy's lasting significance.

-Interpret and criticise both primary and secondary texts.

-Undertake independent research and apply theoretical knowledge to complex issues.

Essay 1 x2000 words, 50%

Essay 2 x2000 words, 50%

-Kant, Immanuel. 1781/7 Critique of Pure Reason. Translated by Paul Guyer & Allen W. Wood. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997.

-Kant, Immanuel. 1783. Prolegomena to any Future Metaphysics, revised edition, translated by Gary Hatfield. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. 

-Buroker, Jill Vance. 2006. Kant's Critique of Pure Reason: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 

-Gardner, Sebastian. 1999. Kant and the Critique of Pure Reason. London: Routledge.