Reason and Passion

1. Introduction – Reason and Passion: What’s at stake?

Key themes of the course will be introduced and we will begin to articulate some of the central questions and problems related to the debate. We will be lead to consider why one might choose reason over passion, or passion over reason.

2. Plato.

The allegory of the cave will be discussed and we will examine Plato’s notion of reason and its ability to overcome our bodily, passionate natures as he describes the necessary foundation for morality and, ultimately, civic society.

3. Aquinas.

Addressing questions of passion, reason, will and habit, Aquinas calls attention to the various facets which constitute the self. We will discuss whether Aquinas views these features of our natures as competing or complimentary.

4. Montaigne.

Can there be any sure foundation for truth? Would this be found in reason or in passion? For Montaigne the answer is neither, thus reintroducing classical Greek and Roman scepticism and laying the foundation for the turn to modernity.

5. Descartes. 

Modern philosophy begins with Descartes’ famous pronouncement: Cogito ergo sum – I think therefore I am. We will discuss the ultimate elevation of reason which Descartes advances and explore the costs at which such a coronation comes.

6. Voltaire.

Known for his satirical criticisms of established authorities, Voltaire held that morality was based in our natural dispositions and passions. Eschewing the vaunted claims of reason, he articulate an alternative view of human nature which had significant and last consequences.

7. Hume.

“Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions...” With one simple statement, Hume challenged the pre-eminence of reason and dismantled the sceptical argument. In having a positive role for passion in directing morals, Hume dared us to consider the driving forces behind our actions. This debate remains as relevant today as when Hume first raised it.

8. Kant.

Examining Kant’s critical turn, for which Hume was the catalyst, we will examine his attempts to overcome the sceptical challenge through the promotion of reason.

9. Hamann.

A fascinating and influential thinker, although largely unknown today, Hamann challenged the rationalism of the Enlightenment and called for a passionate, embodied philosophical perspective.

10. Contemporary Concerns. 

In our final week we will offer a summary of our findings and discuss recent discoveries in genetics and biology which are shaping our understanding of the self. These developments are challenging the traditional division between reason and passion.

Essential:

Key readings for the course will be excerpts from the following primary sources, distributed in class for the following week. There is no required reading in advance of week 1:

• Plato – The Republic

• Aquinas – Summa Theologiae

• Montaigne – The Essays

• Descartes – Meditations on First Philosophy

• Voltaire – Philosophical Dictionary

• Hume – Treatise of Human Nature

• Kant – Critique of Pure Reason

• Hamann – Aesthetica in Nuce