Introduction to Philosophy Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Course

PHIL-1301-001 Introduction to Philosophy

Prerequisites

20 semester hours or instructor consent

Course Description

Various branches of philosophy - the nature of goodness, freedom - and certain basic problems within each branch. Designed to introduce the student to philosophical thinking.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Carder, Eddy. A Primer in Philosophy: Available online on Course Website for download.

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\ Craig, Edward. Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.

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\ Porter, Burton. Philosophy Through Film. Second Edition. Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY: Sloan Publishing.

Supplies

\ Textbook, dictionary, pens, pencils, notebook paper or notebook for note taking, access to a computer to complete assignments and review class material, access to a computer to complete a power-point presentation. Access to film rentals and library

Student Performance

\ Student Learning Outcomes are based on the required Core Curriculum Intellectual Competencies, Perspectives and Exemplary Educational Objectives as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Specific Course Requirements are to be found in the course schedule and course syllabus.

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\ Learning Outcomes for Philosophy: CCIC 1,2,3,4,5 CCP 1,2,5,7,8 EEOSB 1,2,4,5,9,10,12

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\ 1. To understand the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
\ 2. To identify and demonstrate an understanding of the main categories of philosophy (such as metaphysics, logic, epistemology and axiology)
\ 3. To identify and analyze the origins, historical, social, cultural emphasis of philosophical inquiry.
\ 4. To demonstrate an understanding of the principle characteristics which define the areas of philosophy through a presentation of critical analysis.
\ 5. To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the acceptability of historical evidence and social research.
\ 6. To analyze, critically assess, and develop creative solutions to philosophical problems.
\ 7. To identify and understand differences and commonalities within diverse cultures.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

\ Your instructor wants this class to be both interesting and enjoyable, but any form of disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated.

Grading Criteria

Grade Scale

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

60-69 D

59 and Below F

Grading Criteria:

1. Mid Term Exam (Take Home)  – 50%

2. Final Exam (Take Home) – 50%

 

Extra Credit Opportunity (Optional)

1. Mid Term Exam Extra Credit Opportunity

2. Final Exam Extra Credit Opportunity              

Attendance

\ Attendance Policy: Two or more unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless those absences are made up. Absences may be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   It is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this, though.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.

Calendar

Text Reading Key:

CP = Carder Primer, An Introduction to Philosophy (available online for download).

PSI = Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

PTF = Philosophy Through Film

 

(Only selected Links cited below will read during the semester.)

 

Date                                             Topic                          Reading/Assignments

Week 1 (5/21)       Epistemology                           CP, Ch. 1;                  PTF, Ch. 1; CP, Ch, 1; PSI, 1

                                    Socratic Definitions - http://faculty.washington.edu/smcohen/320/socdef.htm

                                    Plato on Epistemology - http://www.nd.edu/~afreddos/courses/intro/platoin.htm

                                    Epistemology Defined - http://www.iep.utm.edu/epistemo/

 

Week 2 (5/28)       Metaphysics                             CP, Ch. 2;                  PTF, Ch. 2; CP, Ch, 2; PSI, 2

                                    Kant on Metaphysics - http://www.iep.utm.edu/kantmeta/

                                    Aristotle on Metaphysics - http://www.iep.utm.edu/aris-met/

 

Week 3 (6/4)          Ethics                                           CP, Ch. 3;                  PTF, Ch. 3; CP, Ch, 4. PSI, 3

                                    Definition of Ethics - http://www.iep.utm.edu/ethics/

                                    Epicurean Ethics - http://hume.ucdavis.edu/mattey/phi143/epieth.htm

                                    Epicurus - http://www.iep.utm.edu/epicur/

                                    Professor Geoffrey Sayre-McCord, University of North Carolina, Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals (PDF)

                                   John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism, http://www.iep.utm.edu/milljs/

                                   Divine Command Ethical Theory - http://www.iep.utm.edu/divine-c/

 

Week 4 6/11)         Philosophy of Religion           CP, Ch. 4;                  PTF, Ch. 4; CP, Ch, 3; PSI, 4

                                    Atheism - http://www.iep.utm.edu/atheism/#SH4d

                                    Kant on Religion - http://www.iep.utm.edu/kant-rel/

                                    The Relationship of Faith and Reason, http://www.iep.utm.edu/faith-re/

                                    The Ontological Argument for God’s Existence - http://www.iep.utm.edu/ont-arg/

                                    The Design Argument for God’s Existence - http://www.iep.utm.edu/design/

                                    The Logical Problem of Evil and God’s Existence - http://www.iep.utm.edu/evil-log/

                                    Platonism and Theism - http://www.iep.utm.edu/pla-thei/

 

Week 5(6/18)        Political Philosophy                 CP, Ch. 5;                  PTF, Ch. 5; CP, Ch, 5, PSI, 5

                                    Political Philosophy Defined - http://www.iep.utm.edu/polphil/

                                    Locke’s Political Philosophy - http://www.iep.utm.edu/locke-po/

                                    Plato’s Political Philosophy - http://www.iep.utm.edu/platopol/

                                    Aristotle’s Political Philosophy - http://www.iep.utm.edu/aris-pol/

                                    Hobbes Political Philosophy - http://www.iep.utm.edu/hobmoral/

 

Week 6 (6/25)       Philosophy of Art                     CP, Ch. 6;                  PTF, Intro; CP, Ch, 7, PSI, 6

                                    Kant on Aesthetics - http://www.iep.utm.edu/kantaest/

                                    Aesthetics Defined - http://www.iep.utm.edu/aestheti/

                                    Aesthetics of Popular Music - http://www.iep.utm.edu/music-po/

                                    Medieval Aesthetic Theory - http://www.iep.utm.edu/m-aesthe/

 

Last day of regular class 6/29

 

The above calendar is subject to change due to unexpected situations. It is the student’s responsibility to check online email and announcements for all other forms of communication issued by the Instructor.

Additional Information

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Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM