Postmodernist philosophy and the legacy of Nietzsche
This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Join us as we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject, via thinkers including Deleuze, Lacan, Foucault and Derrida.
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This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Beginning with Nietzsche's declaration of the death of God and the dissolution of stable identity, we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject. Psychoanalysis reveals perhaps the most fundamental challenge: Freud's discovery that "the ego is not master in its own house" shatters the illusion of self-knowledge and conscious control. Lacan's return to Freud radicalizes this insight, showing how the subject emerges only through its inscription in language and the symbolic order, forever divided between conscious articulation and unconscious desire. The subject becomes "ticklish" precisely because it cannot coincide with itself - it is constituted through lack, misrecognition, and the Other's gaze. This psychoanalytic revolution prepares the ground for subsequent critiques: Foucault's genealogies of how subjects are produced through disciplinary power, Derrida's deconstruction of self-presence, and contemporary attempts to think embodied, communicative alternatives. Throughout, we grapple with the question: if the autonomous subject is an illusion, what possibilities remain for ethics, politics, and human agency
What will we cover?
The Nietzsche legacy in Bataille and Deleuze
Heidegger and the assault on dualism
Psychoanalysis and the split subject - Freud and Lacan
Foucault - Power knowledge and the disappearing subject
Derrida deconstruction and the critique of presence
Embodiment and communicative rationality - the return of the subject - Merleau-Ponty and Habermas
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Evaluate contemporary responses to the crisis of the modern subject
Analyze the crisis of the modern subject as articulated in continental philosophy
Explain the dissolution of stable identity and unified selfhood in 20th-century thought
Compare and contrast Cartesian notions of the rational subject with post-Cartesian critiques
Understand Freud's psychoanalytic insights about the divided subject and unconscious processes
Examine Lacan's return to Freud and the role of language in subject formation
Explore Foucault's genealogical method and analysis of power/knowledge in subject production
Investigate Derrida's deconstructive approach to self-presence and identity
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for learners who are interested in both history of ideas and philosophy and enjoy both cultural and philosophical analyses.An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Interactive lectures will provide you with opportunities to develop your ideas and engage with some key texts.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Slavoj Žižek, The Ticklish Subject: The Absent Centre of Political Ontology
Some of the course themes, weaving together German idealism, psychoanalysis, and contemporary politics
Accessible Žižek at his most systematic
Bruce Fink, The Lacanian Subject: Between Language and Jouissance
Clear, clinical introduction to Lacanian psychoanalysis
Essential for understanding the "split subject" without getting lost in Lacan's difficult prose
Richard Kearney & Mara Rainwater (eds.), The Continental Philosophy Reader
Excellent selections from Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida, Merleau-Ponty (good quality second hand copies are available on Better Books and ABE
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in HP130 Phenomenology and critical theory: philosophies of art and culture, with the same tutor.
Barrie Selwyn is a regular tutor at City Lit. Formerly the Principal of Kingston Adult Education, he is the lead tutor for the School of Ideas at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College. Educated at Hackney Downs School, Sussex University and University of London, he is a highly respected adult educationalist specializing in philosophy and literature. Barrie is the Chair of the Kingston Philosophy Café, which he helped to set up in 2007. He is a regular speaker around London philosophy venues, talking on topics such as Nietzsche and the Frankfurt School, Kant and post-Kantian Idealism and Richard Rorty and post-analytic philosophy. He is also an alto saxophonist and a keen jazz fan.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/postmodernist-philosophy-and-the-legacy-of-nietzsche3056137Postmodernist philosophy and the legacy of Nietzschehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/philosophy-reading-HP129-1024.jpg329329GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy22851177140415791228511771404<p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Join us as we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject, via thinkers including Deleuze, Lacan, Foucault and Derrida.</p>003056086Postmodernist philosophy and the legacy of Nietzsche329329https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/philosophy-reading-HP129-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHP105329329Postmodernist philosophy and the legacy of Nietzsche263214329Barrie Selwynpostmodernist-philosophy-and-the-legacy-of-nietzsche/hp105-2627<p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Join us as we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject, via thinkers including Deleuze, Lacan, Foucault and Derrida.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Beginning with Nietzsche's declaration of the death of God and the dissolution of stable identity, we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject. Psychoanalysis reveals perhaps the most fundamental challenge: Freud's discovery that "the ego is not master in its own house" shatters the illusion of self-knowledge and conscious control. Lacan's return to Freud radicalizes this insight, showing how the subject emerges only through its inscription in language and the symbolic order, forever divided between conscious articulation and unconscious desire. The subject becomes "ticklish" precisely because it cannot coincide with itself - it is constituted through lack, misrecognition, and the Other's gaze. This psychoanalytic revolution prepares the ground for subsequent critiques: Foucault's genealogies of how subjects are produced through disciplinary power, Derrida's deconstruction of self-presence, and contemporary attempts to think embodied, communicative alternatives. Throughout, we grapple with the question: if the autonomous subject is an illusion, what possibilities remain for ethics, politics, and human agency</p><p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Join us as we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject, via thinkers including Deleuze, Lacan, Foucault and Derrida.</p><p>The Nietzsche legacy in Bataille and Deleuze</p><p>Heidegger and the assault on dualism</p><p>Psychoanalysis and the split subject - Freud and Lacan</p><p>Foucault - Power knowledge and the disappearing subject</p><p>Derrida deconstruction and the critique of presence</p><p>Embodiment and communicative rationality - the return of the subject - Merleau-Ponty and Habermas</p><ul><li>Evaluate contemporary responses to the crisis of the modern subject</li><li>Analyze the crisis of the modern subject as articulated in continental philosophy</li><li>Explain the dissolution of stable identity and unified selfhood in 20th-century thought</li><li>Compare and contrast Cartesian notions of the rational subject with post-Cartesian critiques</li><li>Understand Freud's psychoanalytic insights about the divided subject and unconscious processes</li><li>Examine Lacan's return to Freud and the role of language in subject formation</li><li>Explore Foucault's genealogical method and analysis of power/knowledge in subject production</li><li>Investigate Derrida's deconstructive approach to self-presence and identity</li></ul><p>This course is designed for learners who are interested in both history of ideas and philosophy and enjoy both cultural and philosophical analyses.An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Interactive lectures will provide you with opportunities to develop your ideas and engage with some key texts.</p><ul><li><strong>Slavoj Žižek, <em>The Ticklish Subject: The Absent Centre of Political Ontology</em></strong><ul><li>Some of the course themes, weaving together German idealism, psychoanalysis, and contemporary politics</li><li>Accessible Žižek at his most systematic</li></ul></li><li><strong>Bruce Fink, <em>The Lacanian Subject: Between Language and Jouissance</em></strong><ul><li>Clear, clinical introduction to Lacanian psychoanalysis</li><li>Essential for understanding the "split subject" without getting lost in Lacan's difficult prose</li></ul></li><li><strong>Richard Kearney & Mara Rainwater (eds.), <em>The Continental Philosophy Reader</em></strong><ul><li>Excellent selections from Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida, Merleau-Ponty (good quality second hand copies are available on Better Books and ABE</li></ul></li></ul><p>You might be interested in HP130 Phenomenology and critical theory: philosophies of art and culture, with the same tutor.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyvirtual263329214HP105NONEFri25/09/26 - 11/12/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:4512 sessions (over 12 weeks)1211 weeks or longerDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBarrie SelwynBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-25T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities329329Postmodernist philosophy and the legacy of Nietzschepostmodernist-philosophy-and-the-legacy-of-nietzsche/hp105-2627<p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Join us as we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject, via thinkers including Deleuze, Lacan, Foucault and Derrida.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-25 00:00:00<p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Beginning with Nietzsche's declaration of the death of God and the dissolution of stable identity, we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject. Psychoanalysis reveals perhaps the most fundamental challenge: Freud's discovery that "the ego is not master in its own house" shatters the illusion of self-knowledge and conscious control. Lacan's return to Freud radicalizes this insight, showing how the subject emerges only through its inscription in language and the symbolic order, forever divided between conscious articulation and unconscious desire. The subject becomes "ticklish" precisely because it cannot coincide with itself - it is constituted through lack, misrecognition, and the Other's gaze. This psychoanalytic revolution prepares the ground for subsequent critiques: Foucault's genealogies of how subjects are produced through disciplinary power, Derrida's deconstruction of self-presence, and contemporary attempts to think embodied, communicative alternatives. Throughout, we grapple with the question: if the autonomous subject is an illusion, what possibilities remain for ethics, politics, and human agency</p><p>This course explores the crisis of the modern subject through continental philosophy's most provocative thinkers. Join us as we trace how 20th-century thought has systematically undermined the Cartesian notion of a unified, self-transparent, rational subject, via thinkers including Deleuze, Lacan, Foucault and Derrida.</p><p>The Nietzsche legacy in Bataille and Deleuze</p><p>Heidegger and the assault on dualism</p><p>Psychoanalysis and the split subject - Freud and Lacan</p><p>Foucault - Power knowledge and the disappearing subject</p><p>Derrida deconstruction and the critique of presence</p><p>Embodiment and communicative rationality - the return of the subject - Merleau-Ponty and Habermas</p><ul><li>Evaluate contemporary responses to the crisis of the modern subject</li><li>Analyze the crisis of the modern subject as articulated in continental philosophy</li><li>Explain the dissolution of stable identity and unified selfhood in 20th-century thought</li><li>Compare and contrast Cartesian notions of the rational subject with post-Cartesian critiques</li><li>Understand Freud's psychoanalytic insights about the divided subject and unconscious processes</li><li>Examine Lacan's return to Freud and the role of language in subject formation</li><li>Explore Foucault's genealogical method and analysis of power/knowledge in subject production</li><li>Investigate Derrida's deconstructive approach to self-presence and identity</li></ul><p>This course is designed for learners who are interested in both history of ideas and philosophy and enjoy both cultural and philosophical analyses.An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.</p><p>Interactive lectures will provide you with opportunities to develop your ideas and engage with some key texts.</p><ul><li><strong>Slavoj Žižek, <em>The Ticklish Subject: The Absent Centre of Political Ontology</em></strong><ul><li>Some of the course themes, weaving together German idealism, psychoanalysis, and contemporary politics</li><li>Accessible Žižek at his most systematic</li></ul></li><li><strong>Bruce Fink, <em>The Lacanian Subject: Between Language and Jouissance</em></strong><ul><li>Clear, clinical introduction to Lacanian psychoanalysis</li><li>Essential for understanding the "split subject" without getting lost in Lacan's difficult prose</li></ul></li><li><strong>Richard Kearney &amp; Mara Rainwater (eds.), <em>The Continental Philosophy Reader</em></strong><ul><li>Excellent selections from Nietzsche, Heidegger, Foucault, Derrida, Merleau-Ponty (good quality second hand copies are available on Better Books and ABE</li></ul></li></ul><p>You might be interested in HP130 Phenomenology and critical theory: philosophies of art and culture, with the same tutor.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasPhilosophyconfigurable
15791404Philosophyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/philosophy-religion-belief/philosophy1/2/285/1177/1404/15791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Philosophy
