Phl 416 The Rationalists: Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza

Study, with comparisons, of selected works of philosophers who maintained that knowledge comes primarily from reason. Likely readings: for Descartes, Meditations, or Rules, or Discourse on Method; for Spinoza, Ethics; for Leibniz, a selection from among his many collected works and fragments. Also offered for graduate-level credit as Phl 516 and may be taken only once for credit. Recommended prerequisite: 8 credits in philosophy.