Philosophy 180:

Phenomenology

TTh 3:55-5:15pm

Warren Lecture Hall 2114

Phenomenology is (along with Marxism, Existentialism, post-Structuralism, etc.) one of the major movements of twentieth century European philosophy. This course will provide an introduction to this tradition, focusing on its founding figures. In the first segment of the course we will examine the beginnings of the movement in the work of Franz Brentano and Edmund Husserl. Our particular concern here will be to understand what phenomenology is, what sorts of problems it addresses, what sorts of results it seeks. We will examine Brentano's reintroduction of the notions of intentionality and inexistence, and Husserl's attempt to distinguish phenomenology from psychology and other natural sciences. In the second segment of the course we will turn to the work of Martin Heidegger, focusing in particular on the text of Heidegger's 1927 lecture course: Basic Problems of Phenomenology. Some of the central questions we will address: How does Heidegger's "existential" or "ontological" phenomenology differ from the Husserlean project? What is the significance of the so-called "principle of ontological difference"? How should we understand Heidegger's critique of the notion of subjectivity? Depending on interest and available time, the final segment of the course may deal with Heidegger's phenomenological analysis of time. Alternatively, we may instead briefly take up one of Heidegger's attempts to draw on his phenomenological theory of Dasein to address broader issues about culture and modernity.

Prerequisites: Three courses in philosophy or consent of instructor; intelligence; diligence; ability to read & write; basic bureaucratic & computer savvy.

Texts:

Requirements: Attendance at first meeting; about 35 pages of extremely difficult well-nigh impenetrable reading per week; attendance, preparation and participation; quizzes; three papers; final.

Office Hours: Regular Office Hours: Mondays 3:30-5pm

extra Office Hours (priority to Philosophy 15): Wednesdays 3:30-5pm

UG Advising Office Hour: Fridays 3:30-4pm