《理性主义》word版.doc

Syllabus
Soochow University, 2005
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Course Title: 理性主義(Rationalism)
Course Instructor: 彭孟堯(Eric M. Peng)
Semester Hours: 2/2 (one year course)
Email: ******@
Website: /~ericpeng
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Course Description
This course is to introduction rationalism in the modern history of western philosophy. The major rationalist figures are Rene Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Rationalism is an epistemological position in opposition to empiricism. There are two main contrasts between them. Where empiricism holds that all knowledge (about the world) is empirical knowledge, rationalism maintains that there is some non-empirical knowledge (about the world). On the other hand, rationalism holds that some concepts are innate, whereas empiricism denies any innate concepts. This course will explain the two differences. Furthermore, for each of the three rationalists we will discuss his metaphysics, epistemology, and theories on mind, truth, and morality.
Course Outline
Introduction: Philosophy and History of Philosophy
Continental Enlightenment
Rationalism vs. Empiricism
The Philosophy of Rene Descartes
The Philosophy of Baruch Spinoza
The Philosophy of Gottfired Wilhelm Leibniz
Other rationalists
Course Readings
Po