History of philosophy 15-HF-11

The main aim of this course is to introduce the philosophy as a discipline, to present its historical development and to show the examples of philosophical interpretation of selected phenomena that take place in the contemporary Western culture. First, the course examines various understandings of philosophy, its main functions and problems. Second, it discusses the history of philosophy from antiquity, through the middle ages, to the modernity and contemporary philosophy. Third, it explores some philosophical interpretations of phenomena such as sexuality, commercialisation and new technologies (e.g. robots). Participants of the course obtain the knowledge about philosophy and its history as well as the competences and skills that enable them to take more open attitudes towards views and beliefs other than their own as well as to understand them. To pass the course with a positive grade participants need to take the final exam that consists two open questions and answer both of them by providing at least half of the information that have been presented during the lectures concerning the particular topic.