McGill University
Department of Philosophy
19th Century Philosophy 107-367b (Winter 2007)
Prof. Susan-Judith Hoffmann
Office Leacock 926 ; Office Hours: Mondays 10:30-12:00
Telephone: 398-2143; Email: susan.hoffmann@mcgill.ca
In the continental European tradition, the nineteenth century can be studied as a century of debate around
the question of the nature and value of a philosophical system. Thinkers such as Fichte, Schelling, Hegel
and Marx attempted to formalize and exhaustively systematize human reason and spirit, whereas others,
notably Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, were profoundly critical of system philosophies. Their critiques of
systematic philosophy provide the springboard for the existentialism, hermeneutics and critical theory of
the 20th century. In this course, we will read three important systematic thinkers, namely, Fichte, Hegel and
Schopenhauer. We will then examine Kierkegaard and Nietzsche’s original and profound critiques of the
systematic approach in philosophy. We will address the question of whether either (or both) of these
thinkers end up proposing systematic philosophies as well or whether their work is genuinely antisystematic. Please note that while the reading list is long, many of the selections are quite short.
Required Reading
Texts will be available at the Paragraph Bookstore on McGill College.
 Selections from The Science of Knowledge (First and Second Introductions to the Science of
Knowledge; Part I: Fundamental Principles of the Entire Science of Knowledge ).
 G.W.F. Hegel. We will read the introduction to the Phenomenology of Spirit.
 G.W.F Hegel. Selections from Introduction to the Lectures on the History of Philosophy
 Arthur Schopenhauer. Selections from The World as Will and Representation, Volume II
 Soren Kierkegaard. Selections from Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments.
 Soren Kierkegaard. Selections from Fear and Trembling.
 Friedrich Nietzsche. The Birth of Tragedy
 Friedrich Nietzsche. Selections from Twilight of the Idols (Sections TBA)
 Friedrich Nietzsche. On the Genealogy of Morality (time permitting)
Recommended Reading
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Immanuel Kant. Prolegomena to any Future Metaphysics
Johann Fichte. The Science of Knowledge (in its entirety)
Johann Fichte. The Vocation of Man.
G.W.F. Hegel. The Difference Between Fichte and Schelling’s System of Philosophy
George di Giovanni. Between Kant and Hegel
H.S. Harris. Hegel: Phenomenology and System
Method of Evaluation
20% One midterm examination. There will be two short essay questions (300-350 words each) on the
midterm. The midterm will be written over two classes on February 14 and February 16.
35% One 1500-2000 word essay due March 23. Students must keep rough drafts of their paper and hand
them in along with their paper. All students must be prepared to discuss their paper with the instructor.
Please use a duotang to keep all the papers together neatly. Late papers will lose 1% a day unless the
student can document relevant illness or extenuating circumstances. Essays must be typed.
35% One final exam. There will be three short essay questions on the final exam. Length TBA. Date TBA.
The midterm, essay and final exam are graded on your understanding of the material you have been
assigned to read, your understanding of the lectures, on your ability to draw on that material where
relevant, and, on your ability to write in a clear, thoughtful and mature manner.
10% Participation. Each student must supply the instructor with one thoughtful question for class
discussion for each Friday conference. Each student is expected to participate in the class discussions,
quizzes and group exercises assigned during the Friday conference style class.
McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore all students must understand the meaning and
consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the Code of Student Conduct and
Disciplinary Procedures (see http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity for more information).