Universität Wien

180091 LPS The young Spinoza (2017S)

5.00 ECTS (3.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work

"Of all the philosophers of the seventeenth century, perhaps none have more relevance today than Spinoza" writes Steven Nadler in his article on Baruch Spinoza in the Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy. In this reading seminar we will approach Spinoza's main work, the EHTICS by taking the scenic route through his early writings. We will be reading the TREATISE ON THE EMENDATION OF THE INTELLECT and the SHORT TREATISE ON GOD, MAN AND HIS WELL-BEING to understand the young Spinoza’s critical reading of Descartes.

In the latter part of summer term we will consider how knowing the young Spinoza may enable us to look at contemporary philosophy of mind (David Chalmers) or Gilles Deleuze's interpretation of Spinoza with fresh eyes.
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 35 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

A failure to turn up in class on the first meeting will result in de-registration. If you cannot come (for whatever reason) please notify david.wagner@univie.ac.at in advance!

  • Tuesday 14.03. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 21.03. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 28.03. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 04.04. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 25.04. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 02.05. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 09.05. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 16.05. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 23.05. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 30.05. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 13.06. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Tuesday 20.06. 10:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal 3C, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/3. Stock, 1010 Wien
  • Tuesday 27.06. 11:30 - 13:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This is an introductory reading course. Its aim is to give an overview of the historical situation at the second half of the 17th century and introduce students to a detailed philosophical reading of some of Spinoza's works.

Assessment and permitted materials

Regular attendance, regular timely upload of commentaries or excerpts (three days prior to class), presentation, participation in discussions. English will be a requirement, since some of the current research papers on Spinoza are not available in German.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

In order to get a positive grade you have to hand in ten short written papers (excerpts, commentaries) as will be explained in the first unit. If you give a presentation on one of the topics/chapters under discussion, the number of papers is reduced to nine. -- Attendance is mandatory, you may miss two course units. You will be graded on each part of your contributions to class, the written papers amount to 70 per cent of your final grade, 30 per cent are based on your participation in in-class discussions.

Examination topics

Reading list

Primary literature:
Spinoza, Baruch de (1991): Kurze Abhandlung über Gott, dem Menschen und dessen Glück. Übers. v. Carl Gebhardt, neu bearb. und hrsg. von Wolfgang Bartuschat. Hamburg: Meiner.
Spinoza, Baruch de (1999): Ethik in geometrischer Ordnung dargestellt. Lateinisch/Deutsch. Übers. und hrsg. von Wolfgang Bartuschat. Hamburg: Meiner, 1999.
Spinoza, Baruch de (1994): Theologisch-politischer Traktat. Übers. v. Carl Gebhardt, neu bearb. und hrsg. von Günter Gawlick. Hamburg: Meiner.

Further texts (secondary literature) will be provided via moodle.

Association in the course directory

BA M 2.3
§ 57.2.4. Lektüreproseminar
UF PP 06 Philosophieren Lernen

Last modified: Sa 08.07.2023 00:17