FIL4600 – History of Philosophy 1600-1800

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The topics of this course are works/epochs/schools/ideas in the history of philosophy in the 17th and 18th century. This is the period when the world view of modern science as well as many of the contemporary problems of moral and political philosophy are first formulated. Central figures within metaphysics and epistemology are Descartes, Spinoza, Locke, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hume and Kant, in ethics and politcal philosophy: Hobbes, Grotius, Locke, Hume, Smith og Kant.

Learning outcome

The focus will vary from term to term, but the aim is to give the participants an in depth understanding of philosophical problems from this period and to show their relevance for later discussions. Moreover, since much emphasis is put on a careful reading of historical texts, the participants will improve their interpretational skills.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Requires admission to Philosophy (master)

Overlapping courses

Teaching

14 double sessions with combined lecstures and seminars. The teaching takes place together with students in FIL2701.The course has the following compulsory tuition activities:

  • 8 response papers of one page which are to be submitted in Canvas. The papers must be submitted a minimum of 8 out of 13 weeks (no submission the first week).

All compulsory tuition activities must be accepted as satisfactory in order to qualify for the final exam. The activities are only valid for one semester.

This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance.

Examination

Finat 4-hour school exam.

In order for you to qualify for the final examination, all compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:57:35 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas