Nietzsche and Hegel

This subject is not offered in 2009.

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

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

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.

• 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.

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%.

A subject reader will be available.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

• 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.

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.