R581 Phenomenology of Self Awareness (3 cr) TR 11:15-12:30 BH305
(Hart)

The problem of consciousness and self-awareness are at the core of the
basic issues of the philosophy of mind as well as certain
understandings of ontology and metaphysics. In analytic philosophy and
phenomenology the issue is usually inseparable from the topics of
temporality, bodiliness, and knowledge of other minds.  It is also a
key theme for the phenomenology of religion, especially religious
experience and mysticism.  And, therefore, it serves as a fundamental
consideration in certain theologies, e.g., Shankara's Vedanta
metaphysics, Buddhist metaphysics, Echartian metaphysics, etc.  In
this course we will review some of the major issues primarily from a
phenomenological perspective, although some of the major analytic
perspectives will also be presented.  We will introduce ourselves to
the topic by looking at some brief historical texts from Aristotle,
Plotinus, Shankara, selected medievals, Hume, Fichte, Schleiermacher,
and Sartre. Although I have not yet decided on all the readings, the
major book will be Dan Zahavi, Self-Awareness and Alerity (underline
or italics) which clearly integrates self-awareness with most of the
major issues in phenomenology.