PHIL 141 - History of Modern Philosophy

    Recent Professors
    Ryan Emerick
    Recent Semesters
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025
    Class Size
    42 students
    Credits
    3
    Fall 2026 Sections
    View Fall 2026 sections of PHIL 141
    Transfers To
    UC and CSUCal-GETC Area 3B · IGETC Area 3B · CSU GE Area C2
    Description
    This course is an introduction to Modern Philosophy, which refers to philosophical theories developed from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Emphasis will be given to empiricist and rationalist perspectives on issues concerning the nature of reality and the origin and limits of knowledge. Consideration will also be given to developments in ethical theory and social and political philosophy, such as social contract theory and the foundations of democracy. Primary works from thinkers ranging from Descartes through Kant as well as their precursors and successors will be discussed. This course may be of interest to philosophy majors, as well as students interested in History or the Humanities.