The focus of this course is on four topics in early modern philosophy: natures of (i) thinking, (ii) human beings, (iii) free will and (iv) God. Views of three great thinkers of the period, rationalists René Descartes and Benedictus de Spinoza, and empiricist John Locke, are examined. Their views are contrasted with those of other philosophers of the era, such as the Aristotelian scholasticism to which all these figures react in a hostile manner and with the views of their own followers and critics, including the views of women philosophers commenting on their views.
The lecture series is divided to three segments of four lectures. Each segment focuses on one of the philosophers and examines the topics (i)–(iv) in their philosophies.
- Opettaja: Vili Lähteenmäki