Introduces various positions from the history and present of European philosophy that speak to questions of science and technology. Readings may include Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Nietzsche, Freud, Heidegger, Arendt, Bachelard, Koyré, Caillois, Foucault, Canguilhem, Blumenberg, Serres, Malabou, Stiegler. Topics may include: machine theories, cybernetics, structuralism in science, techniques of simulation, artificial intelligence.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeWhen I say get ready to read, I mean it. This class was more of a philosophy class than anything, and I put as much emphasis into that as possible. Professor Vagt is great, really tries to adapt her class to make it as best for her students as it can be. Practically gave us the midterm and final questions and if you do the readings, it's easy!
I struggled a lot in the beginning because it was a lot about philological concepts. The lectures have a lot of information, found it difficult to understand. I eventually got there by midterms; would recommend you ask questions.
Professor Vagt is passionate about the material and she wants you to succeed. You will build solid close reading / clit skills. She may seem a intimidating at first, BUT please go to office hours and talk to her because she's really sweet and will teach you a lot if you're intrigued.
Honestly I was quite lost throughout this class; however, the criteria is very straightforward. The reading is heavy and confusing, but her lectures are pretty clarifying. The professor essentially tells you the exact questions that will be on the midterm/ final and she offers guidance on your paper if you seek it. An easy A if you put in effort.
Amazing class. One final and one midterm that she pretty much gives you the questions for. One final paper. Easy A and great teacher
At least two readings every week that are pretty dense but she'll try to break them down during lecture! The topics she presented throughout the course were kind of hard to understand but if you ever expressed confusion she would do her best to explain! Her midterm and final exam are very easy. One final essay as well (not too difficult).