Science & Reason from Descartes to the Present

(4 Credits)

Examines key texts starting from the Early Modern and Enlightenment periods to understand how scientists, philosophers, and writers have sought to map the relationship between knowledge, the physical world, and society from the 17th century to today and our entrance into the “Anthropocene.” Through readings in the history of science, literature, philosophy, ecocriticism, and anthropology, this course aims to tease out some of the major strands that constitute, nuance, or question the scientific world view, especially in our times of ecological crisis. Includes site visits in and around Paris.