Introductory description

This module introduces three of the most important thinkers in 20th Cent. French Philosophy: Simone de Beauvoir, Michel Foucault, and Jacques Derrida. Through these thinkers, we will explore several of the main currents in 20th Century French Philosophy across different philosophical areas, from social and political philosophy to more theoretical issues about self-consciousness, metaphysics and language.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Weeks 1-3: Simone de Beauvoir (key texts: Ethics of Ambiguity, excerpts from the Second Sex and She Came to Stay; key topics: self-consciousness, self-formation, and gender.)

Weeks 4-6: Michel Foucault (key texts: 'Nietzsche, Genealogy, History'; Discipline and Punish; History of Sexuality, Vol. I; key topics: Genealogy, power, discipline, sexuality)

Weeks 7-9: Jacques Derrida (key texts: Différance, The Animal That Therefore I Am, Force of Law; key topics: différance, deconstruction, justice, democracy)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand and write critically on some of the major figures of the twentieth-century French tradition in philosophy.
• The ability to expound and explain difficult modern philosophical texts in written form.
• Understand and interpret certain texts that are central to modern Continental philosophy, and relate them to on-going philosophical debates.
• Understand a significant portion of the modern Continental philosophical landscape.
• The ability to expound and explain difficult modern philosophical texts in oral form.

Indicative reading list

Simone de Beavoir, The Second Sex

Jacques Derrida, Différance, The Animal That Therefore I Am, Spectres of Marx, Force of Law

Michel Foucault, "Nietzsche, Genealogy, History'

Subject specific skills

Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of 20th Cent. French Philosophy.
Students will acquire a familiarity with and develop a critical assessment of key figures in post-Kantian European philosophy.
Students will acquire greater skill in explaining and assessing complex philosophical positions.

Transferable skills

Communicate clearly and substantively at an advanced level both in speech and in writing on the main issues addressed in the module.
Provide a clear analysis of complex arguments and consistently compare the substance of different philosophical views.
Properly evaluate conflicting interpretations and critically engage with them.