Class Introduction to Contemporary Thought

This UC, in the area of Social Sciences, aims to critically reflect on some of the most important currents of contemporary thought, inserted in their historical contexts. The interdisciplinary character provides theoretical instruments for a better understanding of contemporary times.  

Not applicable

1. The Genesis of Contemporary Thought: From Classical Reason to Medieval Scholasticism 2. Humanism and Modern Rationalism: Machiavelli; Descartes; Hobbes; Locke 3. From the Enlightenment to Liberalism: Voltaire; Montesquieu; Rousseau 4. Ruptures of Modernity and the Birth of the Contemporary: Nietzsche; Marx; Freud 5. Wars and Crises of Progress: Existentialism (Sartre; Simone de Beauvoir) 6. The Cold War and Ideological Conflicts: Capitalism vs. Socialism 7. Postmodernity: Lyotard; Foucault; Derrida 8. Neoliberalism and Multiculturalism (Taylor) 9. Globalization and the Network Society: Giddens; Castells; Bauman

The method is theoretical-practical. It is based on the presentation and exposition of the syllabus contents, resorting, when appropriate, to the reading and analysis of works by the studied authors, in order to promote the participation of students in the critical discussion of the questions presented. The assessment is continuous, in accordance with the ULP Assessment Regulations. The AC consists of a test and a work (oral and written). The test is worth 50% and the written work 40% (25%presentation and 15% the written work). If the work is not delivered on the stipulated date, it will be penalized between 25% (up to 24 hours) and 50% (from 24 hours to 72 hours). Student performance in classes is part of the continuous assessment, which is valued at 10%. Each evaluation moment receives a classification from 0 to 20 values, and the average obtained results in the final classification, which must be equal to or greater than 10 values.

Amaral, D. F. (2021). História do Pensamento Político Ocidental. (2ª ed.) Coimbra: Almedina. Brito, M. (2018). As Andanças de Cândido - Introdução ao Pensamento Político do Século XX. (2ª ed.) Coimbra: Almedina Giddens, A. (2019). O mundo na era da globalização. (9ª ed.). Lisboa: Presença. Kilcullen, J. (ed.) (2019).  Medieval Political Philosophy. California: Stanford University Press. Miguens, S. (2023). A filosofia contemporânea. Figuras e movimentos. Lisboa: Edições 70. Neves, F. (2007). Introdução ao Pensamento Contemporâneo. Lisboa: Edições Lusófonas. Nay, O.  (2016). Histoire des idées politiques. La pensée politique occidentale de l'Antiquité à nos jours. Paris: Armand Colin. Parekh, B. (2018). Pensadores políticos contemporaneos. Madrid: Alianza