electiveHQ

This course offers an introduction to and critical assessment of some of the key figures of the phenomenological tradition, the most prominent European philosophical movement of the twentieth century, and the movement that inspired the existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty, and others. In the first part of the module we generally explore the work of key phenomenological figures such as Husserl, Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty, and consider their views on the nature of human existence, meaning, consciousness, perception and relations to others. We then look at the existentialism of Sartre, Beauvoir and Camus and consider their views on the anxiety, alienation, freedom, being and nothingness. In the final third of the module we examine the way contemporary philosophers draw on phenomenology to critique issues such as racism, social invisibility and solitary confinement in prisons. There are two components of assessment: (1) An essay due in the middle of the semester (2) A final assignment that may take the form of a written essay, phenomenological diary, podcast or film due in week 12. Further and final information will be provided in lectures. If you are taking this module as an elective - you may be interested in pursuing a Structured Elective programme in Philosophy (this will entail taking two more Philosophy electives). Your University Transcript could show that you have a Structured Elective in Existential Philosophy & Critical Theory, as appropriate. For further details: See: https://www.ucd.ie/students/electives/structuredelectives.html Please Note: The aim is to deliver this module through face-to-face lectures. However, this may change to on-line delivery, if restrictions caused by Covid-19 prevent face-to-face teaching.