Guided Reading in Philosophical Texts: Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
Guided Reading in Philosophical Texts: Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
Adrian Sackson
Course description
In this class, students will engage in a close and careful examination of one of the central
texts of modernity, Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy. Close reading of this text, in
conjunction with guiding questions and class discussion, will enable students to reach a solid
understanding of important elements of Cartesian philosophy and Descartes’ writing. But
the course revolves another central objective: to help students advance in their ability to
read and interpret philosophical texts, to understand and analyze various forms of
philosophical argument, and to articulate their own ideas clearly. Our study of Descartes'
canonical text will thus model various strategies which can be employed when approaching
philosophical texts in general. We will attempt to draw out the logical and argumentative
structure of the text, its implicit assumptions and presuppositions, its use of rhetoric, its
appeal to linguistic devices, as well as examining its historical and philosophical context. The
course stresses the importance of actively partaking in the "philosophical experience" by
reading, writing, and conversing about the text and its arguments.
Course expectations and grading
Attendance & participation (10%)
Attendance is mandatory. Active participation in class discussions is encouraged. Students
are expected to be present—both physically and mentally.
Weekly reading and guiding questions (10%)
This is a guided reading course, and therefore preparing the weekly reading is essential to
succeeding. Each week, students will be assigned a segment of text to read, and a set of
guiding questions to answer. Students are expected to prepare written answers to the
questions. The quality of the written answers themselves will not be assessed—they are for
you, to assist you in grappling with the text. However, the task is compulsory: Students are
required to submit their answers by email every week in advance of class. Proper and timely
submission of answers that show engagement with the texts and the questions will ensure a
full grade for this element of the course.
Two short assignments [2-3 pages each] (20% x 2 = 40%)
The tasks for these assignments will be given out in the first week of class. The due dates are
April 6 for the first assignment and May 24 for the second.
Final paper [6-8 pages] (40%)
The task will be given out in the first week of class. The due date is set by the program.
Note: All course materials, including Descartes' text, Meditations on First Philosophy, will be
available on the course Moodle site. It is the students' responsibility to follow the
instructions posted on Moodle on a regular basis.
