A Topic in German Thought: The Idea of Enlightenment

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 6
  
• Tutor: Alexander Weber

Understanding German culture is in no small part understanding German history of ideas. We offer an introduction into one of the classical themes of modern German philosophy. You will be guided through a selection of short passages from Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Freud and other philosophers, which will allow us to discuss some of the main strands of Enlightenment thought. We will examine the question of intellectual and historical progress, and of the promises and pitfalls of the use of reason. You will be provided with primary texts in English translation and no prior knowledge of German philosophical traditions is needed.