That greeting presents the theme for this semester and next. This course explores the scientific naturalism of Francis Bacon, the philosophic rationalism of Rene Descartes, and the epistemological sensationalism of John Locke, which seem to undergird the thought of eighteenth century Enlightenment figures such as Voltaire, Hume, and Kant. Evaluations will be based on both class participation and written work.
Participation includes reading essays and in-class discussions.
Written work includes two formal papers peer editing. A complete draft of each paper will be circulated and then discussed in peer editing sessions. The editors' written comments will be provided to the author and submitted with the final paper. Rewrites of the first two papers are almost unavoidable. These are due at the beginning of class the day on which the work will be discussed.