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Miami University

Department of Philosophy

PHL 440/540: Berkeley

Fall 2005

MW 7.00-8.50 pm

Classroom: Hall Auditorium 203

 

Costica Bradatan

Office: 221 Hall Auditorium

Office Hours: Tuesday 2.00-4.00pm & Wednesday 12.45-1.45pm (& by appointment)

Office Phone:  (513) 529-4739

Email: bradatc@muohio.edu

Webpage: http://www.users.muohio.edu/bradatc/ 
 

Course Description:

The objective of this seminar is to explore George Berkeley’s thought from the standpoint of its roots, rather than from the point of view of the various developments that this thought has triggered in the sphere of modern philosophy; in other words, from the perspective of its past, rather than from that of its future. The most interesting thing about such a shift of perspective is the fact that what we see when we look at George Berkeley from the perspective of his past is strikingly different from what we see when we consider him from the standpoint of his future. Methodologically, the approach of this course is genealogical, comparative and interdisciplinary.

 

The course will unfold musically, so to speak, in a counterpoint fashion: 1) on the one hand, a close reading of Berkeley’s Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous will be performed throughout the semester; 2) on the other hand, there will always be an ongoing discussion about such relatively under-researched aspects of George Berkeley’s thought as Berkeley’s place in the tradition of theologia ludens, the significance of his immaterialism for the ontology of the narrative, the use he makes of the ancient topic of the Book of the World (liber mundi), the use of alchemic/esoteric notions in Siris, and his connections to the Platonic tradition. In the final section, we will be placing Berkeley’s project to build a theology college in Bermudas in the tradition of the quest for the Earthly Paradise and of the educational utopias. In this context, Berkeley’s “Bermuda Project” will be discussed in close comparison to Herman Hesse’s The Glass Bead Game.

 

Course Rationale:

The design of this course has been born out of the necessity to place George Berkeley within a broader context of philosophical, literary, theological and political ideas. Also, the course has been triggered by the need of approaching the history of early modern philosophy from a more interdisciplinary perspective. Last but not least, there is a sense in which Berkeley’s work could help us acquire a better understanding of such topics as theologia ludens, the ontology of the narrative and the design of educational utopias. 

 

Course Goals:

  • Introducing students to the main points of Berkeley’s philosophy
  • Making students better understand the rich intellectual, religious, and political background against which Berkeley’s thought emerged
  • Applying Berkeleian notions to the study of such interdisciplinary topics as  theologia ludens and the ontology of the narrative
  • Understanding Berkeley as an utopian author

 

Required Texts:

·         *Arsić, Branka (2003), The Passive Eye. Gaze and Subjectivity in Berkeley (via Beckett) (Stanford: Stanford University Press).

·         ** Berkeley, George. The Works of George Berkeley Bishop of Cloyne, Vol. V (“Siris”) and VII (“A Proposal”). (London: Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd.) [fragments]

·         * Berkeley, George (1988), Principles of Human Knowledge/Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous (Pinguin Books)

·         ** The Bible [fragments]

·         ** Borges, Jorge Luis (1962), Labyrinths. Selected Stories and Other Writings (New York: New Directions Publishing Corporation) [fragments]

·         ** Bradatan, Costica (2003), “Waiting for the Eschaton: Berkeley’s ‘Bermuda Project’ between Earthly Paradise and Educational Utopia” in The Journal of Utopian Studies, 14: 1 (Spring 2003), pp. 36-50

·         ** Bradatan, Costica (2005), “Introduction” to The Principles of Human Knowledge (New York: Barnes & Noble)

·         * Gaarder, Jostein (1994). Sophie’s World. A Novel about the History of Philosophy. Translated by Paulette Møller (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux)

·         * Hesse, Herman (2002), The Glass Bead Game: Magister Ludi (A Novel) (Picador)

·         ** Mills, W. J. (1982), “Metaphorical Vision: Changes in Western Attitudes to the Environment,” Annals of the Association of American Geographers 72 (1982), pp. 237-253

·         ** Rahner, Hugo (1972), Man at Play (New York: Herder and Herder)

 

It is recommended that those books marked with an asterisk (*) be purchased as they will be used more extensively. You should be able to find them at the MU Bookstores. Items marked with ** are either on electronic reserve (password: PHL440) or will be provided by the instructor.

 

Course Requirements:

  1. One research paper, developed in three stages
  2. Oral presentations (at least two)
  3. Regular attendance and participation in class
  4. Individual conferences

 

1. Research paper:

The bulk of the final grade (see below “Grading policy”) will be determined by the quality of the research paper. This piece is the culmination of students’ work during the whole semester. It must be on a course-related topic, designed by the student in consultation with the instructor. The research paper must be conceived of, structured, developed and written in such a way as to meet the standards of academic excellence in the humanities, and following the guidelines for submission of written work listed below. The three stages for the production of this research paper are: a) Submission of proposed topic, brief description and basic bibliography (1/2 pages). b) Submission of the first draft (4/5 pages), and c) Submission of the final draft (8/10 pages), at the end of the semester, within a portfolio. (For deadlines, please see “General Schedule of Events” below.)

 

2. Oral presentation:

Each student is expected to present the reading(s) for at least two sessions and then briefly conduct the subsequent discussion. A list of topics (readings) for which students can volunteer will be circulated at the beginning of the semester. Each oral presentation will be graded and will count toward the final grade. A good presentation means: a careful reading of the texts in question, placing these texts within the context of the author’s work, rendering the material into a coherent, well-structured, and agreeable form, and presenting it in a clear manner to the other students attending the class. For a good – to excellent – oral presentation grade, you are encouraged to read as much as you can by, and about, the author whose texts you decide to present. If you make a third presentation during the semester (in addition to the first two), that will be graded separately, and its grade will count toward the final grade, too. You are encouraged (although not required) to design your research paper in such a way as to be able to use in it those texts you have read for preparing your oral presentations.   

 

3. Attendance and participation in class:

It is imperative that you attend every class. Please do not be late! Any unexcused absence will have an impact on your class participation/attendance grade (5% for each absence). After five (5) unexcused absences the instructor may, at his discretion, recommend the University Registrar to drop the student from the course. An absence is excused when you provide serious documented evidence about it (signed note from the physician, signed letter from the Dean, death notice, etc.) Fore more about class attendance please consult the 2005-2006 Student Handbook: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/documents_and_policies/handbook/ (“Class Attendance”). Active participation in classroom discussions includes (but is not limited to): posing relevant questions; making informed comments and formulating original points of view, establishing a fruitful dialogue with the other students during the class, etc. When formulating your points of view, remarks or comments, please do so in a respectful manner, in such a way as not to harm the feelings of the other members of the class.

 

4. Individual conferences:

Students are strongly encouraged to discuss with the instructor about any aspects of their work for this class, and in particular about their research paper. All students taking this course are encouraged to make appointments with the instructor in order to discuss issues related to the course. The instructor may ask you to come in at other times for discussing particular issues. Please feel free to email the instructor whenever you need to discuss with him aspects of your work.

 

As the semester progresses each of you must think of a topic for your research paper. The topic for this final essay is designed by you, but must be course-related, and discussed with the instructor (on the occasion of a conferences or just make an appointment!).

 

Guidelines for Submission of Written Work:

·         MLA Citation Style

·         Word-process all written work; handwritten papers will not be accepted;

·         Use standard font, in 12 point; double-spaced.

·         Number your pages;

·         Staple your pages together;

·         At the top of the first page include your name, date, and essay title;

·         Proofread and spell-check before bringing any papers to class.

 

Please keep copies of the materials you write and submit for this course as at the end of the term all these materials will be formally submitted as a portfolio. The portfolio includes: the notes for your oral presentation, the drafts commented on, and returned to you, by the instructor, and the final version of your research. The reason why you are asked to submit a portfolio is that it helps the instructor evaluate your progress and your work for the course over the whole semester.

 

 Grading Policy:

·         10%           Regular attendance of seminar meetings.

·         10%           Active participation in classroom discussions

·         20%           Oral presentations

·         20%           First draft of the research paper

·         40%           Final draft of the research paper

 

The grades for class attendance and participation will be determined only after all class meetings take place, at the end of semester. The grade for the research paper will be determined after you submit it, along with the portfolio.

 

University Policies and Regulations:

The instructor of this course respects and upholds University policies and regulations pertaining to the observation of religious holidays; assistance available to the physically handicapped, visually and/or hearing impaired student; plagiarism; sexual harassment; and racial or ethnic discrimination. All students are advised to become familiar with the respective University regulations and are encouraged to bring any questions or concerns to the attention of the instructor.

 

Students with Disabilities:

In compliance with the Miami University policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester, except in unusual circumstances, so that arrangements can be made. If you want to know more about these issues, please contact Miami University’s Office of Disability Resources: http://affserver1.aff.muohio.edu/ODR/

 

 

Academic Integrity:

Plagiarism, or academic theft, is passing off someone else’s work as your own. Please note: plagiarism simply means using someone else’s ideas without acknowledging it (no matter if you use that person’s actual words or not). Regardless of your background, you are responsible for not plagiarizing. Plagiarism will be prosecuted; it can affect your permanent record. Being a plagiarizer is incomparably worse than being unoriginal! For more about plagiarism (and academic dishonesty in general), please consult 2005-2006 Student Handbook: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/documents_and_policies/handbook/ (“Academic misconduct”)

 

General Schedule of Events

 

I. Introductory issues

Week 1:

·         Wednesday (8/24)

o        Topic: Introduction. Overview of the course.

 

Week 2:

·         Monday (8/29)

o        Topic: Who is Berkeley? Why should we study Berkeley today? Berkeley’s historical background.

o        Discussion: Doing philosophy historically

o        Reading: Bradatan (2005)

 

·         Wednesday (8/31)  

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

 

II. Berkeley and Theologia Ludens

Week 3:

·         Tuesday (9/06) (Monday classes meet this day; Monday is Labor Day)

o        Topic: Playing God. Introducing the topic of man as the “plaything of God.”

o        Movie watching: “Truman Show”

 

·         Wednesday (9/07)

o        Topic: The aesthetics of theologia ludens. God as an artist. The world as a divine show. 

o        Discussion: “Truman Show” 

o        Readings: Rahner

 

Week 4:

·         Monday (9/12)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

o        Discussion: Berkeley’s use of the philosophical dialogue. Berkeley and Plato

 

·         Wednesday (9/14)

o        Topic: The ethics of theologia ludens. God as a cruel playmaker.   

o        Readings: Book of Job

Week 5:

·         Monday (9/19)

o        Movie Watching: “Dogville”

 

·         Wednesday (9/21)

o        Topic: The world as God’s laboratory and humans as “Guinea pigs.” Patterns of divine trial.  

o        Discussion: “Dogville” & The Bible [fragments]

 

Week 6:

·         Monday (9/26)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

 

·         Wednesday (9/28)

o        Topic: Theologia ludens in Berkeley. Berkeley’s God as a playmaker. Perceiving the world/creating the world

o        Discussion: We live in God

o        Readings: Arsic

 

III. Berkeley and the ontology of narrative

Week 7:

·         Monday (10/3)

o        Topic: We are literary characters in a story that God is continually telling. Introduction of Gaarder’s novel.  

o        Readings: Gaarder

 

Deadline!

 

Submission of topic, brief description and basic bibliography for the research paper.

 

 

·         Wednesday (10/5)

o        Topic: Sophie’s World as a narrative built on a Berkeleian insight 

o        Discussion: Berkeley’s immaterialism and the metaphysical suppositions of the fictional worlds

o        Readings: Gaarder

 

Week 8:

·         Monday (10/10)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

 

·         Wednesday (10/12)

o        Topic: The relevance of Berkeley’s immaterialism for the literary theory. Further discussion of Sophie’s World as a novel inspired by Berkeley’s philosophy.

o        Readings: Gaarder

 

Week 9:

·         Monday (10/17)

o        Topic: The narrative as an imitation of God (imitatio Dei).

o        Discussion: Berkeley and Borges 

o        Readings: Gaarder & Borges (“Everything and Nothing”)

 

·         Wednesday (10/19)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

 

Week 10:

·         Monday (10/24)

o        Topic: The relevance of Berkeley’s immaterialism for film.

o        Movie Watching: “Simone”

o        Readings: Arsic/Beckett   

 

Deadline!

 

Submission of first draft of the research paper.

 

IV. Berkeley and the World as a Book

·         Wednesday (10/26)

o        Topic: Introduction of the topic. A short history of the topic from St Paul to Berkeley. Metaphors for the world.

o        Discussion: The world/the society/the body/the mind, etc. as a text

o        Readings: Mills & Arsic

Week 11:

·         Monday (10/31)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

 

·         Wednesday (11/2)

o        Topic: The book of the world in St Bonaventure’s Itinerarium mentis in Deum and Thomas a Kempis’ Imitatio Christi

o        Readings: St. Bonaventure and Thomas a Kempis

 

Week 12:

·         Monday (11/7)

o        Topic: Why should we read liber mundi? Berkeley and alchemy. Philosophizing/Healing/Caring for the other/Improving the state of the world.

o        Discussion: Berkeley’s medical philosophizing in Siris

o        Readings: Berkeley’s “Siris” [fragments]

 

V. Berkeley’s Educational Utopia

·         Wednesday (11/9)

o        Topic: Berkeley’s project to build a theology college. “Philosophy as a way of life.” The test of reality. Philosophy and Education

o        Readings: Berkeley (“A Proposal”)

o        Movie Watching: “The Renaissance Man”  

 

Week 13:

·         Monday (11/14)

o        Topic: Berkeley and the quest for the Earthly Paradise. The Millenarism of Berkeley’s Project. Immaterialism and Utopianism 

o        Discussion: The Renaissance Man  

o        Readings: Bradatan (2003)

 

·         Wednesday (11/16)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous :

 

Week 14:

·         Monday (11/21)

o        Topic: Educational Utopias. The meaning of Hesse’s Castalia. Scholarship as secularized monasticism.  

o        Discussion: Is the modern American campus a Castalia?

o        Readings: Hesse

 

Thanksgiving Break

Week 15:

·         Monday (11/28)

o        Topic: Vita contemplativa vs. vita activa

o        Discussion: The varieties of utopian experience (political, social, religious, educational, etc).

o        Readings: Hesse

 

·         Wednesday (11/30)

o        Topic: The mission of the university. Castalia and Bermuda. The failure of utopias. Why do utopias fail? The meaning of utopias.

o        Discussion: Hesse and Berkeley

o        Readings: Hesse

 

Week 16:

·         Monday (12/5)

o        Close Reading of Three Dialogues between Hylas & Philonous

 

·         Wednesday (12/7)

o        Topic: Course conclusion.

o        Course evaluation by students.

Deadline!

 

Submission of research paper (final version).

 

 

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