In Beyond Good and Evil , Nietzsche proclaims the end of morality for those strong enough or wise enough to hear his message. In contrast, Levinas argues that ethics is prior to all other aspects of human existence, that what it is to be human is to be called to ethics by the face of the Other. John Caputo takes both thinkers to task for offering ultimately unlivable accounts of human life. During the course of this Interim, students read Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil , selections from Levinas' Basic Philosophical Writings , and Caputo's Against Ethics . The class is conducted seminar style, and students are required to present a paper to the group and to lead and participate in discussions.
Evaluation is based on class participation, leading discussions, and a paper presentation.
Ms. R. Groenhout. IDIS W28 Chinese Thought and Culture. Mr. K. Clark. Contact Amy DeVries .