A Theme from the History of Theoretical Philosophy
The course addresses a philosophical theme in the history of theoretical philosophy, such as Stoic logic, late medieval skepticism, epistemology in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, or idealist philosophy in the nineteenth century.
The theme is studied in its historical context. Considerable emphasis is placed on articulating the theme under consideration in terms of problem formulations, theories, concepts, and arguments. Particular emphasis is placed on critically analyzing the distinctive features of the theme. The overarching aim is to deepen understanding of the historical background of the corresponding theme in contemporary theoretical philosophy.
Registration
Well in advance of the course start, an email is sent to all admitted students with information and instructions. Admitted students are expected to register themselves (online registration).
Emotions: From Plato to Nussbaum
The course is about emotions in the history of theoretical philosophy. We will explore the theme from a diachronic perspective, starting from ancient Greek theories of emotions up to contemporary views in philosophy of mind. This includes philosophers, schools and periods such as: Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic philosophy, late ancient and early medieval philosophy, Thomas Aquinas, Descartes, modern philosophy, William James, phenomenology, and Martha Nussbaum.
When we are in an emotional state, we feel in a certain way, we have certain beliefs and evaluations, physiological changes are taking place in our body, and perhaps we are also experiencing a push towards a specific action. But what is an emotion? Do emotions involve beliefs or are they irrational? Can they be reduced to bodily processes or do they belong to the soul or the mind? And if they belong to body and soul, how do they interact? Which elements of an emotion are necessary or sufficient? These and more questions have been discussed by philosophers since antiquity. In this course, we will look at their answers and discover how influential their views have been and still are for contemporary theories of emotions.
The course will be mostly text and discussion based: as preparation for each session, the students must read selected passages taken from original works. We will then discuss them together in class, considering the historical context and with a focus on understanding the historical development of theories of emotions and comparing them.
Teacher spring term 2026: Felix Maier
Language of instruction spring term 2026: English
Learning platform: Reading instructions, a detailed course schedule, and other materials will be posted on the course’s Athena page. Admitted students who have activated their student account and have been registered for the course will automatically be enrolled on the course’s Athena page.
Expected learning outcomes and information on the grading scale: See the course syllabus.
Grading criteria: Will be available on the course’s Athena page prior to the start of the course.
Teaching Format
Teaching will be conducted in the form of lectures and discussions.
Assessment
The course is assessed through a take-home examination with essay questions.
