PHIL 273T(S) Hume's Treatise of Human Nature (W)
Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature, one of the greatest books in the history of philosophy, still exerts a considerable influence on contemporary epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of action, ethics and moral psychology. Unfortunately, the relevance of Hume's ideas and arguments for particular philosophical disciplines has too often led to a piece-meal reading of his work: the three books of Treatise ("Of the Understanding", "Of the Passions" and"Of Morals") are typically considered in isolation from one another. Epistemologists don't seem to think that Hume's account of human psychology, morality and taste can in any way illuminate his treatment of skepticism and natural belief, while moral philosophers often neglect Hume's conclusions about the limits of our knowledge in analyzing his conception of motivation, action, obligation and virtue. In contrast with this interpretive tendency, this tutorial will focus on Hume's"science of human nature"-his overall philosophical project in Treatise-and cultivate the discussion of different philosophical issues and arguments in light of this general aim of the work as a whole.
We will start by situating Hume's project within the historical tradition in which he thought and against which Treatise was directed; we will read Descartes, Locke, Berkeley and Newton, as well as some lesser known figures. For clarification and discussion of the points made in Treatise, we will read parts of Hume's later works, especially the two Enquiries. Throughout the course, our reading of Hume will be supplemented, on the one hand, by historical and interpretive essays on his work, and on the other hand, by the works of contemporary philosophers engaged in the problems and questions raised in Treatise. (For example, we will read some of the present-day discussions of skepticism, causation, inductive inference, the self, nature of emotions, motivation and action, virtues and moral obligation.) Throughout the course our focus will be on three broad issues: Hume's conception of theoretical rationality, his conception of practical rationality, and his views about the role and relevance of non-rational (on some readings, irrational) elements in a good life of a wise person.
Format: tutorial. Requirements: Each student will write a 5-page paper every second week, and comment on the tutorial partner's paper on alternate weeks. In the last week of classes, all students will write a paper and comment on the tutorial partner's paper.
Prerequisites: Philosophy 101 and 102; or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limit: 10 (expected:10). Preference given to philosophy majors.
Tutorial meetings to be arranged. MLADENOVIC