Nietzsche and Critics

Subject PHIL20038 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 (2x 1 hour lectures each week and 1x 1 hour tutorial in weeks 2-12)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours each week
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: One of the following subjects is recommended:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed 161-232 or 672-359 'Nietzsche and Hegal' are not permitted to enrol in this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Assoc Prof Howard sankey

chs@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 one or more other philosophers who centralise reason in a way to which Nietzsche is hostile. The other philosopher(s) will usually be from the 19th century eg 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 50% (due at the end of semester). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial participation. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available at the University Bookshop at the start of semester.
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.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Social Theory
European Studies
European Studies Major
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major
Philosophy and Social Theory
Social Theory
Related Breadth Track(s): History, Continental && Asian
History of Philosophy (Continental && Asian)

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