Origins of Critical Thought: Introduction to German Philosophy

An introduction to foundations of critical thought in the German philosophical tradition, focusing on major figures such as Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Adorno, and Arendt. The course offers a survey of German intellectual history based on direct engagement with original texts. Topics include problems in the theory of knowledge and being, moral and political philosophy, aesthetics, and the philosophy of history. Classical sources will be read alongside modern thinkers like Michel Foucault, Angela Davis, or Rahel Jaeggi. Our goal is to introduce key concepts of critical thought and probe their relevance today. Course taught in English, and all readings in English. For students interested in philosophy, history, politics, aesthetics, literature, and critical theory.