Introductory description

This module will deal sequentially with three core topics in Hegel's work on the philosophy of mind: consciousness, self-consciousness, and recognition. The study of Hegel's thought will be pursued thematically, drawing primarily on The Philosophy of Spirit, as well as relevant parts of texts such as The Phenomenology of Spirit, the Encyclopedia Logic, and the Lectures on Fine Art. The historical material will be studied in conjunction with extensive consideration of contemporary work by philosophers such as Robert Brandom, Beatrice Longuenesse, John McDowell, and Robert Pippin who have been influenced by Hegel. The primary aims of the module are to gain understanding of key themes in Hegel's thought and to consider Hegel's relevance for contemporary philosophy, particularly philosophy of mind.

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.

The module will be delivered in a workshop format, with 2 hours of seminar and 1 hour of lecture per week. Texts to be read include primary and secondary material such as:

Primary Texts:

Hegel, Philosophy of Spirit
Hegel, Encyclopedia Logic
Hegel, Phenomenology of Spirit

Secondary Texts:

Boyle, "Additive Theories of Rationality"
Brandom, "Holism and Idealism in Hegel's Phenomenology"
Haase, "The Puzzle about Recognition"
Honneth, The Struggle for Recognition
McDowell, Having the World in View
Peters, "Transformativism and Expressivity in Hegel’s Philosophy of Mind"
Pippin, Interanimations
Sanguinetti, McDowell and Hegel
Saunders, "What's Wrong with the Master?"

Learning outcomes

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

• understand and differentiate arguments and views in the philosophies of Hegel and other figures studied, and offer relevant support for and critical responses to those arguments and views.
• isolate the important claims within readings, understand the structure of arguments, test views for strengths and weaknesses, make pertinent use of examples, and compare the substance of views consistently.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Subject specific skills

Students will acquire an understanding of some core ideas from Hegel and German Idealism.

Students will acquire an appreciation of the developmental trajectory of Hegel's ideas in 19th and/or 20th century philosophy.

Students will be able to discuss clearly in speech and in writing the issues raised by their close reading and critical analysis of the set texts and materials.

Students will be able to engage with primary and secondary texts in a way that demonstrates relevant and appropriate philosophical and scholarly skills.

Transferable skills

Students will acquire strong foundational knowledge of several key topics and issues in the history of German philosophy, and come to appreciate Hegel's particular role in this tradition as it has been carried forward to the present.

Students will be able to understand, analyze, and critique nuanced philosophical ideas laid out in the primary and secondary materials, in speech and in writing.