You'll explore the big ideas of European philosophers from the 17th to 19th centuries. We'll tackle thinkers like Descartes, Locke, Hume, and Kant, diving into their theories on knowledge, reality, and ethics. You'll get to grips with concepts like rationalism, empiricism, and idealism, and see how these shaped modern thought.

Is History of Modern Philosophy hard?

It can be pretty challenging, not gonna lie. The language in the original texts can be dense and confusing at first. Plus, you're dealing with some pretty abstract concepts that might make your brain hurt. But don't worry, most profs break it down and make it more digestible. Once you get the hang of it, it's actually pretty fascinating stuff.

Tips for taking History of Modern Philosophy in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Break down complex ideas into simpler terms - try explaining Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to a friend
Create timelines to keep track of philosophers and their key ideas
Join study groups to discuss and debate philosophical concepts
Read primary texts slowly and carefully, taking notes as you go
Watch "The Good Place" for a fun, modern take on philosophical concepts
Check out "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder for an engaging intro to philosophy

Common pre-requisites for History of Modern Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy: This course gives you a broad overview of major philosophical questions and schools of thought. It's a great foundation for diving deeper into specific periods.
Logic and Critical Thinking: Here you'll learn how to construct and analyze arguments, which is crucial for understanding philosophical texts. It's like a workout for your brain.

Classes similar to History of Modern Philosophy

Ancient Greek Philosophy: Dive into the OG philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. You'll see how their ideas laid the groundwork for later thinkers.
Contemporary Philosophy: Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries. Explore how modern philosophers built on (or totally rejected) the ideas you learned about in History of Modern Philosophy.
Existentialism: Get ready for some heavy stuff about the meaning of life and human existence. You'll tackle thinkers like Sartre and Camus.
Philosophy of Mind: This class explores questions about consciousness, AI, and the relationship between mind and body. It's like a philosophical sci-fi trip.

Philosophy: Dive deep into the big questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. Philosophy majors learn to think critically and argue persuasively about complex ideas.
History: Explore how ideas and events have shaped human societies over time. History majors gain a deep understanding of past cultures and learn to analyze historical sources.
Political Science: Study the theories and practices of government and politics. Political Science majors examine how philosophical ideas have influenced political systems and ideologies.
Religious Studies: Investigate the beliefs, practices, and historical development of world religions. Religious Studies majors often explore the philosophical foundations of different faith traditions.

What can you do with a degree in History of Modern Philosophy?

Law: Many philosophy grads go into law, where their analytical and argumentative skills come in handy. Lawyers interpret complex texts and construct persuasive arguments, just like in philosophy class.
Journalism: Philosophy trains you to ask probing questions and explain complex ideas clearly. Journalists use these skills to investigate stories and communicate them to the public.
Business Consulting: Companies value philosophy grads for their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Consultants analyze complex business situations and propose innovative solutions.
Education: Teaching philosophy or related subjects allows you to share your passion for big ideas. Educators design curricula, lead discussions, and help students develop their own critical thinking skills.