180185 SE Knowledge and Society (2007W)

The course seeks to provide a comprehensible exposition of mainly one key concept in the thought of Francis Bacon, (1561-1626): doctrine of idols and its precursors in European Renaissance thought. The seminar will provide a concise introduction to the philosophical achievements of Francis Bacon, and his socio-political and intellectual environment; it will outline pre-modern conceptualisations of new epistemologies that were going in tandem with a re-assessment of the human emotional life; thereby, the course envisions a critical re-examination of the traditional canon in the history of philosophy. The focus on the changing intellectual culture of Early modern England will also touch the conditions of research.

> Didaktik
The seminar will be held in English, accompanied by reading material from selected relevant primary sources and secondary literature at the student's disposal in the library. General introductions to the historical and intellectual backgrounds of the texts under consideration will go along with close readings of selected passages from Bacon's works.