What You Will Learn in HUM 6007: History of Modern Thought

In this course, students will engage with critical thinkers and movements that have defined modern intellectual history. Emphasis will be placed on how major philosophical, political, and scientific ideas emerged, developed, and interacted with historical events such as revolutions, industrialization, and globalization. Students will examine how ideas about reason, liberty, individual rights, authority, and progress evolved and influenced the development of modern political systems, social structures, and scientific paradigms.

Key Topics Covered in HUM 6007: History of Modern Thought

The course covers a wide range of intellectual developments and influential figures in modern thought, including:

The Enlightenment: Study the rise of Enlightenment thinking, focusing on philosophers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Locke, and Kant, and their emphasis on reason, individual rights, and social progress. Analyze how Enlightenment ideas influenced political revolutions and the development of modern democracy.
The Scientific Revolution: Examine the transformation of scientific thought in the 16th and 17th centuries, including the work of figures like Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton, and how their discoveries challenged traditional views of the universe and the role of human beings in it.
The Rise of Modern Political Philosophy: Explore key political philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx, and analyze their contributions to the development of modern political thought, including ideas about the state, sovereignty, democracy, and the rights of individuals.
Romanticism and the Critique of Modernity: Study the intellectual and cultural movement of Romanticism, which arose in response to the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Focus on thinkers such as Rousseau, Goethe, and Nietzsche, and examine how Romanticism emphasized emotion, individualism, and a critique of rationalism and industrialization.
The Age of Revolution: Understand how revolutionary movements, particularly the American and French Revolutions, were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and led to the development of modern political ideologies such as republicanism, liberalism, and nationalism.
Utilitarianism and Pragmatism: Examine the rise of Utilitarianism with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, and the American Pragmatism of thinkers like William James and John Dewey, which focused on the practical implications of ideas and the value of social reform.
The Emergence of Modern Philosophy: Study major philosophical figures such as Descartes, Kant, Hegel, and Kierkegaard, who laid the foundations for contemporary thought on epistemology, ethics, metaphysics, and existentialism.
Marxism and the Critique of Capitalism: Investigate the development of Marxist theory, focusing on Karl Marx’s critique of capitalism, his theories of class struggle, and the impact of his ideas on social movements and revolutions in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The 20th Century and Postmodernism: Explore the intellectual developments of the 20th century, including existentialism (Sartre, Heidegger), structuralism (Foucault, Derrida), and the rise of postmodernism, which questioned the foundations of truth, knowledge, and authority in modern society.
The Globalization of Modern Thought: Examine the influence of modern thought beyond the Western world, including the incorporation of Western ideas into non-Western societies and the role of colonialism and post-colonialism in shaping modern intellectual debates.

Learning Objectives of HUM 6007: History of Modern Thought

By the end of this course, students will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the key intellectual movements and thinkers that shaped modern philosophy, political theory, and cultural developments.
Analyze the historical context in which these ideas emerged, considering how events such as revolutions, scientific advancements, and global exploration influenced the development of modern thought.
Develop a critical understanding of how modern thought has shaped contemporary issues, including debates on freedom, equality, justice, authority, and individual rights.
Learn how to engage with philosophical texts, analyzing key arguments and evaluating their relevance to modern-day political and social questions.
Understand the intellectual roots of modern social, political, and cultural movements, and the continued relevance of these ideas in shaping global debates.
Develop the ability to connect the development of modern thought with global events and challenges, exploring how these ideas have shaped societies across different cultures and regions.

Who Should Take HUM 6007: History of Modern Thought?

HUM 6007 is ideal for students who are interested in the development of modern intellectual history, philosophy, and political theory. The course is particularly beneficial for:

Philosophy Majors: Students pursuing philosophy who want to explore the historical roots of modern philosophical thought and the development of key philosophical systems.
Political Science and International Relations Students: Those studying political theory, political philosophy, and international relations who want to understand the intellectual foundations of modern political systems and ideologies.
History Students: Individuals pursuing a history degree with an interest in the intellectual movements that shaped modern history and contemporary societies.
Cultural Studies and Sociology Students: Those interested in the ways in which modern thought has influenced social structures, cultural norms, and human behavior.
Anyone Interested in Modern Thought: Individuals who have a general interest in understanding the evolution of human thought and its impact on the modern world.