Dialogues of the Enlightened: Modern Philosophy in Conversations

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course delves into the history of modern philosophy, taking a unique approach that goes beyond traditional narratives. While we will explore the contributions of canonical men philosophers, we will also shine a light on the often-overlooked women philosophers of this period who significantly advanced Enlightenment thought. By putting these men and women philosophers into dialogue, we will examine their philosophical developments not just through their seminal works but also through their correspondences and interactions. We will engage with actual historical discourses and create new interactions based on their philosophical ideas. This method allows us to explore the most important topics in modern philosophy from multiple perspectives, understanding what these philosophers’ views are and how they communicated them. By reading different kinds of materials, we will aim to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the intellectual exchanges that shaped the philosophical landscape of the Enlightenment.