Continental perspectives on truth: Nietzsche, Bergson and Deleuze ADED11984E

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Full Year
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course introduces students to the work of three significant figures in the continental tradition of philosophy - Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson and Gilles Deleuze - and evaluates their perspectives on philosophical truth. In particular, this course compares the way they challenge our pursuit of truth by questioning its sources, shifting our attention away from abstract models towards embodied, intuitive and expressive modes of thinking. More broadly, the course invites students to appreciate this form of philosophy as a beneficial discursive practice which enhances the agency of inquirers. In keeping with continental tradition, this course will also examine ways to apply these perspectives to contemporary situations such as post-truth politics.

Timetable

Block 1, Weeks 1-10

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

Thursday, 19:00-21:00

 

Block 4, Weeks 1-10

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

Thursday, 19:00-21:00

Requirements of Entry

None.

Excluded Courses

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

Presentation or written commentary summarising and evaluating the key philosophical arguments made by an assigned text (5 minutes or 500 words) (25%).

 

Essay comparing the approaches of Nietzsche, Bergson and Deleuze to philosophical truth as related to a contemporary situation (1500 words) (75%)

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Introduce students to three significant figures in the continental philosophy tradition (Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson and Gilles Deleuze) and their contribution to philosophical debates concerning the pursuit of truth

■ Develop students' critical and analytical skills through engagement with their philosophical discourse in key texts

■ Invite students to acquaint themselves with the philosophical methods of these figures through discussion and written arguments, including applying these philosophical arguments to contemporary situations.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Recognise and compare key arguments made by Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson and/or Gilles Deleuze in the continental philosophy tradition within the context of their pursuit of philosophical truth

■ Analyse and evaluate their philosophical discourse with reference to key texts

■ Explain and compare their philosophical methods in writing and in discussion, including applying these philosophical arguments to contemporary situations

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.