Analysis Philosophical Texts(PH426)
| Course Code | Course Name | Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credit | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH426 | Analysis Philosophical Texts | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| Prerequisites | |
| Admission Requirements |
| Language of Instruction | Turkish |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Course Level | Bachelor Degree |
| Course Instructor(s) | İhsan Hayri BATUR ihsanbatur@gmail.com (Email) |
| Assistant | |
| Objective |
-The primary objective of this course which constitutes the second segment of the "Philosophical Texts" is to further students’ in-depth understanding of Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments through a detailed exploration of the latter sections of the work. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in the first semester, the course will focus on Smith's treatment of moral judgments, the effects of utility, custom, and fashion on moral sentiments, as well as his discussion of virtue and systems of moral philosophy. This semester will guide students in examining complex ideas related to the nature of merit, justice, self-command, and virtue, as well as how Smith’s work fits within broader philosophical debates of his time and its relevance to contemporary moral philosophy. Students will critically engage with Smith’s thought by analyzing its intersections with thinkers such as Hume, Rousseau, and Kant, while also considering its influence on modern discussions of ethics and political theory. Through careful textual analysis, discussion, and written assignments, students will continue to develop their skills in deciphering philosophical texts, evaluating moral arguments, and articulating nuanced interpretations. By the end of the course, students will have enhanced their ability to contextualize and critique philosophical ideas, leading to the development of independent philosophical inquiry. |
| Content |
-This course continues the detailed examination of Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, focusing on the latter sections of the text. Students will explore Smith’s discussions on the influence of utility, custom, and fashion on moral judgments, as well as his reflections on the nature of virtue and the different systems of moral philosophy. Building on the foundations established in the first semester, this part of the course will delve deeper into Smith's treatment of concepts such as justice, prudence, self-command, and the character of virtue. In addition to the close reading of the text, the course will further examine Smith’s place within the philosophical and historical context of the Scottish Enlightenment, considering how his ideas intersect with the thought of contemporaries like Hume and Rousseau. We will also reflect on how Smith’s moral philosophy has influenced later ethical and political theory, considering modern applications of his ideas in areas such as moral psychology, economic theory, and political philosophy. Key topics will include: * The role of utility in moral approbation * The effects of custom and fashion on moral judgments * The influence of fortune on the sense of merit and demerit * Smith's systematization of virtue, including prudence, justice, and beneficence * Comparative analysis with other moral systems and thinkers * Connections between moral philosophy and political economy The course will combine lectures, interactive discussions, and critical textual analysis, encouraging students to refine their analytical skills and apply philosophical concepts to contemporary moral and societal issues. Through assignments and research projects, students will be able to further develop their understanding of Smith’s moral philosophy in relation to both historical and modern contexts. |
| Course Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Deepen Understanding of Moral Philosophy: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of key concepts in Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, particularly the notions of utility, custom, fashion, and virtue, as explored in the later parts of the work. 2. Critically Engage with Systems of Moral Philosophy: Analyze and evaluate various systems of moral philosophy, including different theories of virtue and moral approbation, as discussed in the concluding sections of Smith’s work. 3. Examine Philosophical Interconnections: Investigate the connections between Adam Smith's moral philosophy and broader philosophical systems, particularly those of thinkers like Immanuel Kant, Edmund Burke, and Jeremy Bentham. 4. Assess the Influence of Custom and Utility: Critically assess the influence of societal customs and perceptions of utility on moral sentiments, and how these factors contribute to moral judgments, as outlined by Smith. 5. Apply Philosophical Analysis to Historical Contexts: Analyze Smith's work in the context of the Scottish Enlightenment and evaluate its relevance to the transition from moral philosophy to modern economics. 6. Engage in Advanced Philosophical Debate: Participate in in-depth discussions on the nature of moral systems, the character of virtue, and the interplay between moral philosophy and social institutions, drawing on Smith’s analysis. 7. Produce Research-Based Philosophical Essays: Demonstrate scholarly research and writing skills through the development of research-based essays that incorporate critical thinking, detailed textual analysis, and synthesis of philosophical concepts. 8. Contribute to Contemporary Ethical Debates: Apply the concepts and arguments from The Theory of Moral Sentiments to contemporary ethical debates, exploring the lasting impact of Smith's ideas on modern moral philosophy and economic thought. |
| Teaching and Learning Methods |
This course continues the text-based, analytical approach initiated in the first semester, with a focus on the advanced sections of The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith. Each session will engage students in an in-depth examination of the text, with particular emphasis on the themes of custom, utility, and virtue as explored in the latter parts of the work. The method will still rely on close reading and detailed commentary, with students deciphering and paraphrasing sentences to uncover philosophical nuances. Students will be encouraged to contribute to discussions by analyzing key philosophical ideas and drawing comparisons with other moral theories. Greater emphasis will be placed on synthesizing these ideas with historical and contemporary contexts, fostering more complex interpretative skills. Group discussions will be crucial for collaborative learning, allowing students to test their interpretations against those of their peers. The course will also introduce short written reflections and in-class debates to promote critical engagement with the material. Through a combination of textual analysis, class discussions, and research-oriented tasks, students will further develop their ability to critically engage with philosophical texts and apply their knowledge to both historical and modern moral questions. NB: * Weeks with visiting professors allow for a pause in the in-depth textual analysis and can serve as opportunities for students to reflect on the lectures given. * Key sections have been condensed but with attention to maintaining clarity and logical progression. If time permits during each lecture, shorter sections could be discussed in further detail. |
| References | The primary source for this course will be Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments, studied in three languages: English (original), French, and Turkish. The English and French versions will be provided to students in PDF format. Students are expected to acquire the Turkish version, available at local bookstores. Additionally, some visual aids, such as images, will be used to contextualize the historical and philosophical background of the text. While the course is centered around this key work, minimal external sources may be required. |
Theory Topics
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to The Theory of Moral Sentiments * Overview of Adam Smith and his era * Key themes and objectives of the text |
| 2 | Part One: Of the Propriety of Action * Section I: Of the Sense of Propriety * Section II: Of the Degrees of the Different Passions Which Are Consistent with Propriety |
| 3 | Part One (continued) * Section III: Of the Effects of Prosperity and Adversity on the Judgment of Mankind |
| 4 | Guest Lecture by Maximilien Kistler * The place of consciousness in a material world |
| 5 | Part Two: Of Merit and Demerit * Section I: Of the Sense of Merit and Demerit * Section II: Of Justice and Beneficence * Section III: Of the Influence of Fortune on Sentiments of Mankind |
| 6 | Guest Lecture by Jean-Baptiste Brenet * Relationship between Sharia and Philosophy in Averroes |
| 7 | Part Three: Of the Foundation of Our Judgments Concerning Our Own Sentiments and Conduct * Chapter I - III: Introduction to the sense of duty |
| 8 | (Ramadan Feast) |
| 9 | Guest Lecture by Pauline Nadrigny * Esthetics |
| 10 | Guest Lecture by Marion Vorms * Epistemology |
| 11 | Part Three (continued): Of the Foundation of Our Judgments Concerning Our Own Sentiments and Conduct * Chapter IV - VI: Conclusion of Part Three |
| 12 | Part Four and Part Five * Part Four: Of the Effect of Utility upon the Sentiment of Approbation * Part Five: Of the Influence of Custom and Fashion upon Sentiments of Moral Approbation |
| 13 | Part Six: Of the Character of Virtue * Section I - III: Of Prudence, the Character of the Individual, and Self-Command |
| 14 | Part Seven: Systems of Moral Philosophy * Section I - IV: Overview of various moral systems and theories of virtue |
Practice Topics
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|
Contribution to Overall Grade
| Number | Contribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade | 5 | 50 |
| Contribution of final exam to overall grade | 1 | 50 |
| Toplam | 6 | 100 |
In-Term Studies
| Number | Contribution | |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 4 | 20 |
| Presentation | 0 | 0 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 1 | 30 |
| Project | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Make-up | 0 | 0 |
| Toplam | 5 | 50 |
| No | Program Learning Outcomes | Contribution | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 1 | Analyze philosophical texts with analytical and critical rigor; | X | ||||
| 2 | Get an exhaustive knowledge on the history of philosophy; from antiquity to 20th century; | X | ||||
| 3 | Provide access to information and expertise in the fields of systematic philosophy, such as ethic, esthetic, history of science, philosophy of society; | X | ||||
| 4 | Establish the relation between philosophy and other fields of knowledge, such as, history, psychology, anthropology, sociology and other positive sciences; | X | ||||
| 5 | Learn the theories of political science and the philosophical evaluation of historical and actual events; | X | ||||
| 6 | Have a sufficient level of French and English in order to follow philosophical debates; | X | ||||
| 7 | Have a sufficient level of the ancient Greek, Latin and Ottoman languages for reading philosophical texts written in these; | |||||
| 8 | Develop a creative thinking and a knowledge of aesthetic theories which will allow the analysis of artworks and the history of art; | |||||
| 9 | Acquire academic research methods and writing ability as well as to develop analytical skills, interpretation and criticism. | X | ||||
| Activities | Number | Period | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Workload | 0 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 | 0.00 | ||
| Credits ECTS | 0 | ||