Continental Rationalism

3 units

A rationalist is a philosopher for whom at least one certain truth is inborn or comes from reason rather than from empirical or sensory experience. The major systemic writings of Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz will be examined with a focus on the question: does the epistemology determine the ontology of these philosophical systems, or vice versa? The lines of development connecting these philosophers will be traced, and such enduring problems as the relation of mind to body will be examined. Prerequisites: one course in Philosophy at the 300-level, graduate standing, or permission of the instructor.