Learning Outcomes:
(1) Understand the meaning of the phenomenological approach; (2) Be able to apply the phenomenological method to critically analyze a range of different areas central to human experience (such as human nature, sociality, consciousness); (3) Have a clear sense of the development of the phenomenological tradition and existentialism in the twentieth century; (4) Appreciate the manner in which phenomenology relates to other movements in twentieth century philosophy (hermeneutics, critical theory, deconstruction); (5) Be able to read and comprehend critically classical phenomenological and existential texts.
Indicative Module Content:
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. Particular attention will be given to the works of Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, and Beauvoir, as well as key influences on the development of phenomenology. Themes treated may include some or all of the following: intentionality, perception, consciousness, the life-world, the nature of human existence, freedom, embodiment, relations between self and other, empathy and intersubjectivity. Details will be updated before the commencement of the module.
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