University of Stirling

Philosophy

Current Students: Undergraduates

 

Core modules and Options at Level 10

PHI9HC - Kant's Critique of Pure Reason

The module will introduce the principal metaphysical and epistemological doctrines of Kant’s first Critique, so as to lay the basis for understanding the enormous influence they have had in subsequent philosophy.

Outcomes

The module aims to develop understanding of, and the ability to critically engage with, such central topics as: Kant’s arguments for the transcendental ideality of space and time; the explanation of the a priority of basic principles of mathematics and natural science; the duality of concepts and intuitions; the structure and role of transcendental arguments; whether the force of transcendental arguments depends on transcendental idealism; transcendental idealism as a general stance in philosophy.

A more general aim of the module, reflected in the method of study adopted , is to develop students’ abilities in the close reading and interpretation of an important historical text.

By means of this specific programme, the module further aims to improve critical reading, critical thinking, and oral communication skills through the seminar discussion and essay writing processes. (Refer to Section B of the Student Handbook for more details.)

Reading

(1) Course text:  [You will need to buy your own copy of this text]
Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason translated by Norman Kemp-Smith Macmillan

 

(2) A selection of helpful secondary texts: 
H. Allison Kant’s Transcendental Idealism
C. D. Broad Kant:  An Introduction
S. Gardner Kant and the Critique of Pure Reason
P. Guyer ed.    The Cambridge Companion to Kant
R. Walker  Kant  (Arguments of the Philosophers series)
P. F. Strawson  The Bounds of Sense

                

(3) Advice on preparatory reading: 

Before the course begins you should have made some effort to familiarize yourself with Kant’s style, terminology, and general aims. 

  • In the Critique, you should read at least the General Preface and Introduction, the Aesthetic, and the Introduction to the Transcendental Logic, up to p. 100 in Kemp-Smith. 
  • You might find it easier to tackle first Kant’s own summary account of his project in the Prolegomena to any Future Metaphysics, (edited by P. Gray Lucas and published by Manchester university Press; there are other editions available). 
  • There is an excellent introductory essay by David Bell in Bunnin and Tsui-James (eds.) The Blackwell Companion to Philosophy.
  • In addition, you will probably want to consult one or another of the secondary texts listed above:  my first recommendation would be Sebastian Gardner’s book in the Routledge Philosophy Guidebook series.

 

Availability:

 Honours semester 5/7, 3-year Named degree, General

Prerequisite:

 Any level 9 Philosophy module

Assessment:

Course work (one required essay) 50%; examination (3 questions in 3 hours) 50%. Students may choose to submit a second essay to improve their coursework grade.

Teaching Pattern:

 Each week there will be one 1hr lecture and one two-hour class (divided between lecture and discussion periods)

Regulation:

For the purposes of the University’s attendance regulation 14, seminars are prescribed classes. The rationale for prescribing these classes may be found in the Philosophy Student Handbook, section F. This section also contains regulations relating to the submission of essays, and other matters.

 

If you would like to know more about this module please contact the Philosophy Department Secretaries to arrange an appointment with Professor Peter Sullivan.