Major philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century to the end of the 18th century have been enormously influential. A standard view about them is that they laid the foundations of modern philosophy (hence the title of this course). Another standard view is that during those centuries there occurred a Scientific Revolution — involving such major scientists as Galileo and Newton — that radically transformed our understanding of nature. This Scientific Revolution stimulated such profound philosophical questions as: How is scientific knowledge — and, more generally, any sort of human knowledge — possible? How can human beings make free choices and think original thoughts if the natural world consists of material bodies moving in accordance with deterministic laws of nature? Is there a God, and (if so) what relationship does this God have to the natural world and to human beings? This course will study some representative philosophers from this early modern period who provided answers to these and other important questions that still interest philosophers today. Prerequisites: One course in philosophy and English 120.

The instructor is happy to answer questions, which may be sent to the following e-mail address: john.lango@hunter.cuny.edu

Required readings:

(1) Descartes, Selected Philosophical Writings, trans. Cottingham et. al. Cambridge. $26.99. ISBN-13: 9780521358125.

(2) Berkeley, Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous. Hackett. $5.50. ISBN 0-915144-61-1.

Additional required readings will be assigned during the course of the semester.