Philosophy – Spinoza and his Impact – Kant and Hegel

About this course

The course introduces Spinoza’s life, works and 17th-century rationalist context before examining his ideas about God or substance, nature, necessity, determinism, freedom and virtue. It then follows his influence through Enlightenment thought, German Idealism, Romanticism, 19th-century philosophy and selected 20th-century thinkers, including Hegel, Nietzsche, Bergson, Einstein and Deleuze. Teaching combines lectures, seminar discussion, debate and analysis of primary and secondary texts. The course also considers Spinoza’s political and ethical ideas, ending with student presentations on his continuing legacy.

What you'll learn

• Explain key elements of Spinoza’s account of God or substance, nature and necessity
• Examine Spinoza’s understanding of determinism, freedom and virtue
• Trace Spinoza’s influence on Enlightenment, Idealist, Romantic and later philosophical thought
• Analyse selected primary and secondary texts relating to Spinoza and his legacy
• Present research on an aspect of Spinoza’s influence

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels and has no entry requirements, so it can accommodate those approaching Spinoza for the first time as well as learners with existing philosophical knowledge. Participation includes seminar discussion, debate, textual analysis and a research presentation.

• Includes discussion and debate in a seminar setting
• Requires engagement with primary and secondary philosophical texts
• Includes a student research presentation or project