PHIL 320
Topics in Critical Theory: What is Critique? What Can It Do? Fall 2024
Division II W Writing Skills D Difference, Power, and Equity

Class Details

In this course, we focus on the aims of critique and on how we might use critical theory to further our social and political agendas today. You will become familiar with immanent critique, ideology critique, genealogical critique, and negative critique. Key questions include: What are the foundations and aims of critique? Does critique require postulating alternatives? How is power exercised? Should we abandon the idea of moral progress in history? Readings may include texts by Adorno, Horkheimer, Foucault, Deleuze, Judith Butler, Amy Allen, Raymond Geuss, Wendy Brown and Nancy Fraser.
The Class: Format: tutorial; We may schedule at least one seminar meeting during the semester.
Limit: 10
Expected: 10
Class#: 1975
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: Evaluation is based on written work (six 5-6 page papers, and six 2-3 page commentaries on a partner's papers) as well as the quality and level of preparation and intellectual engagement in our weekly meetings.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated background in the history of modern philosophy (PHIL 202), modern political theory, or critical and social theories.
Enrollment Preferences: Preference will be given to philosophy majors and prospective majors and students with background in critical or social theories.
Distributions: Divison II Writing Skills Difference, Power, and Equity
WS Notes: Students will write six 5-6 page papers, and six 2-3 page commentaries on their partner's papers in alternative weeks. Papers and commentaries will receive significant oral feedback in our weekly 75 minute tutorial sessions.
DPE Notes: In this course, we raise questions at the center of debates in critical theory, a form of theory oriented toward emancipation or, at the very least, toward resisting unnecessary constraints on freedom that result in intolerable conditions and suffering.
Attributes: PHIL Contemporary Value Theory Courses

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