Classical work in theoretical philosophy
The course deals with a classical text from the history of theoretical philosophy, in the original language, or in Swedish or English translation. The work is studied in its historical context.
Special emphasis is placed on articulating the philosophical problems the classical text purports to give solutions to, the theories and concepts contained in it, and the arguments relied upon, both in its philosophical-historical context and with regard to the text’s unique and innovative features. In addition, great importance is placed on a critical analysis of the author’s contributions. The overall goal is to deepen the understanding of the historical background to philosophical discussions in contemporary theoretical philosophy.
Registration
Before the start of the course, an email is sent out to all admitted students, with information and instructions. Admitted students are expected to register themselves (web registration).
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Course structure
More about the course
The classical text studied this time (autumn 2024) is Plato’s dialogue Philebus. Philebus is a classical work of unquestionable importance for the philosophy of mind and emotion. In the dialogue, Socrates discusses with Philebus and Protarchus the nature of pleasure (hêdonê) and its relation to knowledge (phronêsis). To answer the question if pleasure or knowledge is more important, Socrates argues for a classification of them based on a more general metaphysical analysis leading to a fourfold division: all beings belong either to the unlimited (apeiron), the limited (peras), are of mixed nature and generated out of the first two (meiktê ousia), or are the cause (aitia) of such a mixture. Pleasure and pain belong thereby to the unlimited genus, the human life to the third group since it is mixed of the unlimited and limited, and reason (noûs), providing the mixture, belongs to the fourth genus. At the center of the dialogue is a detailed analysis of the nature of pleasure (hêdonê) and pain (lupê) and the relation between soul and body in general which can be regarded as ground-breaking for that time and had a massive influence on the philosophy of mind: pain results from a disruption of the harmonic state of the body and pleasure from its restoration, however, these processes of disruption and restoration must be perceived by the soul, i.e., some sort of awareness of bodily changes seems to be required to feel pain or pleasure. Furthermore, Socrates argues against the popular view that pleasure is absence of pain; instead, he assumes a third, neutral state. While some pains and pleasure arise from the body, we have also affections (pathemata) of the body and the soul and of the soul alone, for example in response of a just expected pain or pleasure or when we recollect past experiences. Expectation and memory and the role of desires are hence also themes of this dialogue as well as the question of false pleasures which connects it to epistemology: Can pleasures and pains be true or false and how are they related to judgements (doxai) and perceptions (aistêseis)? How are pain and pleasure related to emotions – Plato offers us a detailed analysis of malicious envy (phthonos) –, are most pleasures mixed with pain or are there also pure forms? And lastly, how are pleasure, knowledge, reason, and truth related to each other? – Together, we will analyse and discuss this rather short but incredibly dense and thematically rich masterpiece of ancient philosophy!
Learning platform: Study instructions, detailed course planning, etc. will be posted on the course's Athena page. Admitted students who have activated their student account and have been registered on the course automatically become participants on the course's Athena page.
Teacher autumn semester 2024: Felix Maier.
Form of teaching: The teaching will be conducted in the form of lectures and discussions.
Examination: The course is examined with a home exam.
Expected study results, as well as information about the grading scale: See the syllabus.
Grading criteria: Will be provided by the teacher on the course's Athena page before the start of the course.
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Student office: info@philosophy.su.se
Director of studies: Sama Agahi sama.agahi@philosophy.su.se
Study councelling: studievagledning@philosophy.su.se
Examiner: Felix Maier felix.maier@philosophy.su.se
