PHL323 Philosophy of History

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The principal aim of this course is a critical consideration of the claim that there has been genuine progress in global history, especially morally. Typically this course will study the work of G.W.F. Hegel and use it as a departure point, but other variations are possible. These variations will be based on the work of Hegel’s critics, such as Marx, Nietzsche, Adorno, and Foucault. A byproduct of such criticism has been the rediscovery of the value of pre-Hegelian philosophy of history, and so the worldly and deeply cultured approach taken by Vico, Herd­er, and von Humboldt will also be covered.

Note: This course has not been taught since Fall 2021 and will not be taught during the academic year 2023-2024.