Western philosophy comprises many broad areas such as epistemology, ontology, ethics, and aesthetics. This course introduces the problems and theories of epistemology and ontology. Within epistemology, we will discuss the doctrines of Empiricism and Rationalism, their combinations, and their offshoots. Within ontology, we will discuss the doctrines of Materialism, Idealism, and Dualism, and their offshoots. This minimal but cohesive set of theories constitute an essential introduction to Western philosophy, by which we focus on two main questions: (1) What exists? and (2) How do we know?
In terms of methodology, there are three approaches. First, we take a historical approach, by describing which ideas came ahead of others. That helps us understand which problems were created and solved by which philosophy. Second, cutting across time, are some common themes, core ideas, and principles, that recur in different ways. By grasping them, we understand the different ideological positions that recur over time. Third, by combining the above two methods, we see how ideology cycles over positions, because each position solves the problems of other positions, but also creates new problems. This sets the stage for asking: Could we, and how could we, reconcile these opposing positions?
