Structure

The module will be divided into two main parts. The first part will be dedicated to Henri Bergson, notably, to a careful reading of selected sections from both the Essay and Matter and Memory; two major problems will be at the center of our investigations: Bergson’s understanding of “freedom” in light of his notion of “duration”, as well as his way of recasting the mind-body (l’union de l’âme et du corps) problem based on his unique and very articulated conception of “memory”. By contrast, the second part of the module will introduce Heidegger’s powerful reflection on “time” within the framework of his analytics of Dasein (often translated as “human existence”). Even though all our readings and in-class discussions will be mostly based on the English translations (see below for more information), the original German and French texts will be always taken into consideration.

Requirements

Students will be evaluated based upon the following two parameters:

(1) Participation (which includes, yet is not limited to: doing the assignments, attendance, in-class active participation). If you areabsent, please ask some of your classmates for any assignments or key discussion materials missed.

(2) A 2000 Word Final Paper (deadline for submission, prompt and additional information will be provided in due course)

Course Outline

Week 1

General Presentation

Week 2

Sensation and Measurement: Introduction to the Essay on the Immediate Data of Consciousness

(from Essay, Chapter I)

Week 3

The Idea of “Duration”

(from Essay, Chapter II)

Week 4

The Problem of “Freedom”

(from Essay, Chapter III)

Week 5

A Twofold Notion of “Memory”

(from Matter and Memory, Chapter II)

Week 6

Memory and Movement

(from Matter and Memory, Chapter II)

Week 7

The Problem of “Dualism”

(from Matter and Memory, Chapter III)

Week 8

Introduction to Being and Time

(Being and Time, §§ 1-4)

Week 9

The Analytics of Dasein

(Being and Time, §§9, 25-27)

Week 10

“Existential” Structures

(Being and Time, §§29-32)

Week 11

Time and Death

(Being and Time, §§45-50

Week 12

Temporality and the Ordinary Conception of Time

(Being and Time, §§78-81)

Week 12

Final Discussion and Questions