PHIL 215 - Phenomenology & Existential Thought

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

Two fundamental philosophical movements of the 20th century are phenomenology and existentialism. According to Martin Heidegger, phenomenology could be invoked with imperative: “to the things themselves!” Inspired by the phenomenological writings of Husserl and Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre would, in an infamous lecture, summarize the existentialist attitude with the slogan: “existence precedes essence.” What do such claims mean? What are the things we are called to go to, and why does the phenomenologist, whomever they are, seek to go to them? What does it mean to claim that existence precedes essence? This course examines the main texts and figures of phenomenology and existentialism, focusing primarily on questions and concepts. Special attention will be paid to phenomenology and existentialism in a global context addressing specific issues, focusing on decolonialism, epistemic (in)justice, and future possibilities. Osman Nemli.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS