Philosophy – An Introduction: The Enlightenment and Romanticism

About this course

This course examines how Enlightenment and Romantic thinkers approached reason, science, freedom, individuality, nature, emotion and creativity. It considers the relationship between rational thought and feeling, and how philosophical ideas challenged established authority or reimagined the self. Teaching combines guided discussion with close reading of key texts by thinkers including Kant, Rousseau, Wollstonecraft, Hume, Schiller and Schelling. Historical debates are connected with contemporary questions about identity, freedom, reason and emotion, giving participants opportunities to interpret arguments and consider their continuing relevance.

What you'll learn

• Explain key ideas associated with Enlightenment and Romantic philosophy.
• Compare different approaches to reason, emotion, nature and individuality.
• Interpret selected philosophical texts by major Enlightenment and Romantic thinkers.
• Examine philosophical arguments about freedom, authority, progress and the human condition.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for adult learners, including people new to philosophy and those returning to it after time away. It is intended as an accessible introduction, with participation involving close reading, guided discussion and open dialogue about the ideas under consideration.

• Suitable for learners new to philosophy.
• Also welcomes learners returning to philosophy after a break.
• Discussion and open dialogue form part of the course format.