Nietzsche and Hegel

Subject 672-359 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

At least one first-year philosophy subject, or permission from the Head of School or the subject coordinator.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Assoc Prof Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

Much philosophy in 19th century Europe reflects almost unlimited confidence in the power of reason to master not only the natural world, but the human world as well. Alongside this confidence, however, there exists deep scepticism about reason, even hostility towards it. A central figure in the second camp is Nietzsche. This course explores Nietzsche's attacks on reason in relation to some one other philosopher who centralises reason in a way to which Nietzsche is hostile. The other philosopher will usually be a 19th century figure, such as Kant or Hegel or Schiller, but may also be a figure from elsewhere in the history of philosophy who matters to Nietzsche's radical critique, for example Socrates.

Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • understand some of the key themes of Nietzsche's thought;
  • have developed a deeper understanding of some of the philosophical ideas against which Nietzsche was reacting;
  • be able to bring to bear this understanding on their other studies, inside and outside philosophy.
Assessment:

A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.

Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • develop their ability to think critically;

  • be able to express their ideas more clearly;

  • develop a sense of where the limits of philosophical argument lie.

Notes:

Previously available as Nietzsche and the Dream of Reason. Students who have completed Nietzsche and the Dream of Reason are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: European Studies
European Studies Major
Philosophy
Social Theory

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