Summary
Summary - POLS2006A (Pols20006)
- Course
- POLS2006A (POLS20006)
- Institution
- University Of The Witwatersrand (wits)
Summary - POLS2006A (Pols20006)
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Marxism, Capitalism and ModernityWeek 1: Enlightenment according to Kant and its relation to modernity:
During this week, we delved into Immanuel Kant's perspective on enlightenment,
emphasising the importance of reason, autonomy, and progress in shaping modern thought.
We explored how Kant believed enlightenment to be the liberation of mankind from self-
imposed immaturity, advocating for the use of reason to challenge authority and traditional
beliefs. Discussions also revolved around the implications of Kant's ideas for societal
progress and the development of modern democratic principles.
Week 2: Contributions of the Scientific Revolution to the discourse of modernity:
In week 2, we examined the profound impact of the Scientific Revolution on shaping the
modern worldview. We discussed how breakthroughs in fields such as astronomy, physics,
and biology revolutionized humanity's understanding of the natural world. Through the works
of influential figures like Galileo, Newton, and Darwin, we explored how empirical
observation, experimentation, and the application of mathematical principles laid the
foundation for modern scientific inquiry. Moreover, we analyzed the implications of these
advancements for challenging religious dogma, fostering skepticism, and promoting the
secularization of society.
Week 3: Descartes's two meditations and the conceptualisation of the modern subject:
During this week, our focus was on René Descartes's seminal work, "Meditations on First
Philosophy." We engaged in a detailed examination of Descartes's method of radical doubt
and his quest for indubitable knowledge. Through the process of systematic doubt, we
explored how Descartes sought to establish a foundation of certainty upon which to build his
philosophical framework. Additionally, we analyzed Descartes's conception of the self as a
thinking, doubting entity (cogito), and its significance in shaping the modern understanding
of subjectivity, consciousness, and the mind-body relationship.
This Week: Marxism, capitalism, and modernity with emphasis on the Communist
Manifesto and Silvia Federici's arguments in "Caliban and the Witch: Women, the
Body and Primitive Accumulation":
In the current week, we will delve into Marxist theory and its critique of capitalism within the
context of modernity. We will closely examine the key ideas presented in the Communist
Manifesto, including the dialectical relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat,
the exploitation of labor, and the inevitability of class struggle. Furthermore, we will explore
Silvia Federici's insights into the intersection of capitalism, patriarchy, and the control of
bodies, as outlined in "Caliban and the Witch." Through Federici's analysis, we will discuss
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