História da Ética (not translated) - 2nd semester
Code
722031048
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Filosofia
Credits
10
Teacher in charge
Manuel João Matos
Weekly hours
3 letivas + 1 tutorial
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) To acquire a profound understanding of the importance of the History of Ethics as an integral part of Ethics itself;
b) To deepen knowledge of methodological and doctrinal controversies in the field of Ethics;
c) To deepen knowledge of key issues and fundamental concepts in the field of Ethics;
d) To deepen knowledge of the fundamental texts in the History of Ethics, with a mastering both of time-honoured interpretations and of the current state of research;
e) To acquire a strong ability to analyse, compare, criticise and use ethical concepts, and also to independently discuss problems and doctrinal views in the field of Ethics;
f) To acquire the ability to carry out highly qualified research work under supervision;
g) To acquire the ability to carry out independent research in this area;
Prerequisites
None
Subject matter
Kant and the question of “critical ethics”.
Our task is to examine Kant´s attempt to provide an ethical answer to the problem of understanding life and reality.
Our work will focus on the following main topics:
1) Kant’s practical philosophy is part and parcel of his critical project and should therefore meet the high standards of critical thought;
2) Kant’s understanding of the practical problem (its roots, its nature and main features);
3) His solution to the problem – which leads to the question: is it possible to substantiate basic ethical principles, which provide guidance and offer justification on an absolutely autonomous basis?
4) Kant´s attempt to provide an ethical solution takes place against the background of the complete bewilderment resulting from his theoretical philosophy. But is Kant’s ethical solution really capable of overcoming that bewilderment and establishing a stronghold (a “practical cogito” as it were) against it?
Bibliography
Kant, I. (1900-). Gesammelte Schriften, ed. Preußische Akademie der Wissenschaften. Berlin: Reimer, repr. Berlin: de Gruyter.
Kant, I. (1968-1977). Kants Werke, Akademie-Textausgabe. Berlin: de Gruyter.
Kant, I. (1983). Werke, ed. W. Weischedel. Frankfurt a. M./Darmstadt: Insel-Suhrkamp /Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft,
Kant, I. (2017). Kant im Kontext III: Werke, Briefwechsel, Nachlass und Vorlesungen auf CD-ROM. Komplettausgabe. Karsten Worm InfoSoftWare, (4. erw. Aufl).
Kant, I. (2004). Vorlesung zur Moralphilosophie. Berlin: de Gruyter.
Kant, I. (1993-). The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Immanuel Kant, ed. P. Gruyter, A. W. Wood. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kant, I. (1980-1986). Oeuvres philosophiques (Bibliothèque de la Pléiade). Paris: Gallimard.
Bittner, R. (Ed.) (1975). Materialien zu Kants Kritik der praktischen Vernunft. Frankfurt a. M.: Suhrkamp.
Teaching method
This curricular unit has a theoretical-practical character.
Seminar-oriented classes.
Reading and interpretation of and commentary on Plato’s Republic. Analysis and discussion both of interpretive (including syntactic and semantic) issues and related philosophical questions and concepts.
The teaching methodology combines: a) a thorough interpretation of Plato’s Republic (of its different components, of their connection both with each other and with the rest of the corpus platonicum) b) a theoretical analysis of philosophical problems, and c) a discussion of alternative views, objections, counter-examples, etc.
Evaluation method
Appraisal: Individual appraisal. Each student will have to present a research paper (of about 20 pages) on a topic individually agreed upon with the Lecturer and then discuss this paper with the latter. This counts for 3/4 of final marks. Class participation (participation in the discussion) counts for 1/4 of final marks.