Dr. Patrick Phillips
PJJP@yorku.ca

Office hours by appointment. Virtual office hours available by appointment.

All three of the authors covered in this course are known to us as, ‘Rationalists’

(from the Latin ‘ratio,’ reason). All these authors are known for their respective projects in a-priori reasoning to grasp substantial truths about the world. To understand these projects we will begin with a close reading of Descartes Meditations to first understand, and then critically assess, his findings in regard to knowledge of the world, knowledge of other minds and the existence of God. Having established an understanding of Descartes’s Rationalism as a basis, we will continue by examining rationalist themes in the writings of both Benedict De Spinoza in his Ethics and Gottfried Leibniz in his Discourse on Ethics and The Monadology

Technical requirements for taking the course: Students who are not willing or comfortable discussing their ideas, listening to the arguments of others and engaging in a rational, critical process are not encouraged to enrol.

Attendance in the seminar for this course is of paramount importance. Some of the course assessment will be undertaken during the in person seminar.

Therefore: attendance in-person (synchronous) in the seminar of the week is required and not optional. 

Students will also be required to view the online (asynchronous) lecture once per week before attending the in person seminar.

Once again: be reminded that some of the assessment for the course will be held during the in-person seminar.        

A high speed and reliable internet connection and computer with audio and microphone is required for the online component of the course.

Here are some useful links for student computing information, resources and help:

Student Guide to Moodle

Zoom@YorkU Best Practices 

Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide

Computing for Students Website

Student Guide to eLearning at York University

To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.]

Times and locations: In person: Thursdays 11.30 – 1.00pm South Ross

Room 205.

Plus one pre-recorded (online) lecture. Accessed via course webpage (forthcoming).   

The Rationalists: Descartes: Discourse on Method & Meditations; Spinoza: Ethics Leibniz: Monadology & Discourse on Metaphysics 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Anchor

Publication date ‏ : ‎ Aug. 23 1960

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Print length ‏ : ‎ 480 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385095406

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385095402

Available through the York Lanes Bookstore.

Two Debates (held during in-person lecture) 10 & 15 %

Two short exams (held during in person lecture) 20 & 25%

Two short take home essays 10% each

Attendance & participation in seminar 10%

TBA

The student who applies and engages with the course material

and the discussions and debates in held in lectures may expect to improve their vocabulary, their eloquence and their ability to argue and respond in real time, even when under intellectual pressure. In addition, the student will gain an understanding

Rationalism as a classical philosophical position, as well as the opportunity

to develop and/or clarify their own philosophical ideas and arguments.

Course policies

Attendance in-person (synchronous) in the seminar of the week is required and not optional.  

Use of smartphones both in the seminar is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified by the instructor.

Be sure to acquire the course texts (listed below) which are available from the York University book store located in York Lanes Mall.

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time. Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date specified for the assignment set by the Course Director or the Tutorial Leader.

Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date will be penalized (State penalty: e.g., one-half letter grade (1 grade point) per day that assignment is late). Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the Course Instructor but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter).

Missed Tests: Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may request accommodation from the Course Instructor. Make up tests and exams are NOT guaranteed but rather are to be judged on a case-by-case basis, by the course Director, in accordance with York University policy.   If in doubt, contact your instructor in a timely and proactive manner.

Lastly, rudeness, person attacks and related aggressions, or other non-professional behavior in lecture or in tutorial will not be tolerated. Any such egregious behavior may result in disciplinary action. Please consult York University’s ‘Student Code of Conduct’  Code of Student Rights & Responsibilities | Division of Students | York University