Guided Reading in Philosophical Texts

Guided reading in philosophical texts: Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy

Dr. Adrian Sackson

Course description:

In this class, students will engage in a close and careful examination of one of the central texts of modernity, Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy. Close reading of this text, in conjunction with guiding questions and class discussion, will enable students to reach a solid understanding of important elements of Cartesian philosophy and Descartes’ writing. But the course revolves around another central objective: to help students advance in their ability to read and interpret philosophical texts, to understand and analyze various forms of philosophical argument, and to articulate their own ideas clearly. Our study of Descartes' canonical text will thus model various strategies which can be employed when approaching philosophical texts in general. We will attempt to draw out the logical and argumentative structure of the text, its implicit assumptions and presuppositions, its use of rhetoric, its appeal to linguistic devices, as well as examining its historical and philosophical context. The course stresses the importance of actively partaking in the "philosophical experience" by reading, writing, and conversing about the text and its arguments. 

Course Requirements:

Attendance & participation (10%)

Attendance is mandatory. Active participation in class discussions is encouraged. Students are expected to be present—both physically and mentally.

Weekly reading and guiding questions (10%)

This is a guided reading course, and therefore preparing the weekly reading is essential to succeeding. Each week, students will be assigned a segment of text to read, and a set of guiding questions to answer. Students are expected to prepare written answers to the questions. The quality of the written answers themselves will not be assessed—they are for you, to assist you in grappling with the text. However, the task is compulsory: Students are required to submit their answers by email every week in advance of class. Proper and timely submission of answers that show engagement with the texts and the questions will ensure a full grade for this element of the course.

Two short assignments [2-3 pages each] (20% x 2 = 40%)

The tasks for these assignments will be given out in the first week. They are due during the semester.

Final paper [6-8 pages] (40%)

The task will be given out in the first week. The due date is set by the program.