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As a first introduction to the subject, this module will study twelve thinkers who were decisive in shaping Western philosophy. Thus, each of the twelve weeks will be devoted to one philosopher: Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, Augustine, Eriugena, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, and Heidegger. The focus of our work in class will be the reading of one short and famous text by each of the twelve thinkers. We will read these texts together. The instructor will provide interpretation as well as historical context; for philosophy does not arise in a void: it is always a reflection both of and upon its own conditions.
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