Introduction to Philosophy
Fall 2002, University of
Hartford
Office Information Contact Information
Office: 204A Auerbach Hall msudduth@attbi.com
Office
Hours: By Appointment (Best
way to reach me!)
Course
Information:
Philosophy 110, TR 4:20pm-5:45pm (UT-304)
Website: http://www.homestead.com/mscourses/
(Click on Introduction to
Philosophy – In Session for the course web page)
1.
Course Description and
Objectives
"The
unexamined life is not worth living" - Socrates
This course is called
“Introduction to Philosophy.” It might
also be called Introduction to Philosophical Problems since the course is about
problems of a particular sort, philosophical problems. A "problem" is
the result of two (apparently) incompatible "answers" that are given
to a particular "question." A philosophical
problem, then, is the result of two (apparently) incompatible philosophical answers given to a
particular kind of question, a philosophical
question. This course is just as much an introduction to philosophical
questions as it is to philosophical problems. Without an understanding of the
former, there cannot be an adequate understanding of the latter. The course
aims to help students understand both.
The word
"philosophy" literally means "the love of wisdom." As a
very rough approximation philosophy may be understood as an activity of critical self-reflection or self-examination. More
specifically, it is the activity of reflecting, in a particular way, on a range
of very fundamental questions human persons ask about the world and themselves:
What is real? What is the purpose to life? What is the good? What is truth? Is
there a God? These are examples of philosophical questions. Philosophical
problems are generated when apparently incompatible answers are given to these
sorts of questions. One of the tasks of philosophy is to resolve such
conflicts, or at least attempt to do so. Most of our ordinary, every day
beliefs assume some stance toward philosophical questions. All of us hold, even
if unconsciously, many philosophical presuppositions. Typically we are not
aware of them. Uncovering them is another task of philosophy. Since these
presuppositions constitute an important dimension to the way an individual
views the world, philosophy is in fact a way of reflecting on oneself. Doing
philosophy, then, is not only an examination of ideas but it is an activity of self-examination.
We might say that philosophy involves a critical reflection on one's
world-perspective or world-view. In this process we seek to get as clear as
possible about very fundamental ideas and beliefs, draw out their logical
implications, and evaluate viewpoints in terms of their rational acceptability.
One of the consequences of such an activity is a sharpening of one's
perspective and reasoning abilities, as well as a development of
self-understanding.
The central goal in this
course is to acquire a basic understanding of philosophy and cultivate the
habit of philosophizing. We will aim at this goal by way of three others:
·
Be
able to understand the fundamental questions and concepts that arise in the
texts for the course.
·
Develop
the skill of good reasoning and its expression in clear, well-argued short
papers and writing assignments.
·
Critically
engage Socrates’ statement “the unexamined life is not worth living.”
2.
Course Structure
We will be reading the
following texts in this class: Plato, “Allegory of the Cave” (from Plato’s Republic);
Plato, The Meno; Aristotle “On
Friendship,” (from Aristotle, Ethics; SÆren Kierkegaard, “Seducer’s
Diary” (from Kierkegaard, Either/Or). The first work discusses reality
and appearances. The second work is a dialogue about the nature of virtue. The
third is a discussion of the nature of friendship and its relationship to
virtue and human happiness. The last draws a contrast between the reality and
appearance of friendship, specifically in the form of romantic love. I will
supply the first reading in the form of a photocopied handout. You must
purchase the other works: Plato, Protagoras and Meno (Penguin Classics),
Aristotle, Ethics (Penguin Classics), and Kierkegaard, Seducer’s
Dairy (Princeton).
I have also decided to
utilize the film American Beauty, which we will watch in weeks 3 and
4. The course will combine lecture and
classroom discussion.
3. Main Components of the Course
Readings: The course will demand a good deal of your time, not
merely in the way of reading but in the way of thinking and writing. It is
crucial that you keep up on the readings. Buy the required texts as soon as
possible. Although most reading assignments are not excessive in length, they
may be challenging in content. You should expect to read material more than
once to get a proper understanding. Be ready to discuss the readings when you
come to class. It may be helpful to write down any text inspired questions that
come to you while reading. Feel free
to come by for an office visit to discuss the readings with me.
Also, handouts and study questions will be available
on the class website accessible through the course homepage at: http://mscourses.homestead.com/introtophilosophy_fall2002.html
It will be important for all students to check this
website on a weekly basis for any up-dates.
If you are unfamiliar with the Internet or how to locate this website,
see me or speak to any of the helpers in the college’s computing facilities.
Papers: There
is a basic structure to the papers you will write in this class: IBC.
Introduction, which should be
brief and contain your thesis statement
Body, in which you explain
key concepts or views, argue your point, and anticipate objections
Conclusion, in which you
summarize your argument
Are philosophy papers "opinion" papers? Yes and No. Yes, in the
sense that you are giving me your
opinion, beliefs, viewpoint, etc. But you are also explaining to me the
viewpoints of others. Hence, it is expected that you will properly understand
and expound the views you critically engage in your paper. Hence, the class
papers are not merely about you expressing your opinion. Also, what I am
interested in and what this class is designed to help cultivate in you is the
ability to critically reflect on your opinions. So the crucial aspect of your
paper will be how well you support your beliefs.
I grade primarily on the
basis of the following criteria: Structure and organization of paper, accuracy
and adequacy of exposition of the views of others, and the clarity and cogency
of your reasoning in support of your thesis. It is also important that your
papers meet some technical requirements: they must be between 4 and 5 pages in
length, double spaced, in a standard 12 pt. font, stabled (no paper clips), and
composed without excessive or otherwise distracting grammatical errors.
Failures in these areas will result in your paper being marked down. I
recommend James Pryor's essay Guidelines
on Writing a Philosophy Paper [ http://www.princeton.edu/~jimpryor/general/writing.html
] for more detailed information on writing philosophy papers.
Here is a rough guide
to paper grades.
A Paper: Demonstrates a superior grasp of ideas, arguments, or
theories it discusses, presents very good, clear, and thoughtful argument.
B Paper: Demonstrates a good grasp of ideas, arguments, or
theories it discusses, presents an argument that exhibits good reasoning, with
minimal grammatical problems.
F Paper: no paper submitted, a paper
that commits plagiarism, or a paper that presents no argumentation.
*Grammatical errors may also play a role in
determining paper grades, especially if the errors are consistent and
distracting. Always use spell check AND proof read your paper before you turn
it in.
Late papers will not be
accepted, unless authorized by professor well in advance of due date. Although
I encourage students to discuss the class and their work together, the written
work you submit in this class must be your original work and prepared for this
particular class. Plagiarism in any form carries with it a severe penalty. You
will be given an automatic "F" in the course and reported to the dean
for further action. All students should be familiar with the college handbook
on academic integrity.
Participation: Your participation grade is
based on your consistent verbal engagement with your fellow classmates and the
professor. This includes classroom discussion, small group activities, as well
as one office visit with me to discuss one of your written pieces. This meeting
must occur before Thanksgiving break. Adequate participation also requires that
you bring your book to class and that your contributions be related to the text
or topic at hand. I will also frequently call on students. If you appear
unprepared I will take note of this. If you want full credit at the end of the
semester, the matter is quite simple: impress me and prove to me that your mind
and body are both in and into the course.
Summary of Assignments and
Grading:
Participation
(may include short response papers): 20%
Philosophy
Essay Papers: 60%
There will be three papers during the semester. You have the option of rewriting one of the first two papers in the course. The lower grade will be thrown out in favor of the higher grade.
Final:
20%
Details to be announced
later. It will likely be a take home
assignment.
A
final point. . . .
Classroom
Demeanor:
It is crucial that everyone respect the classroom as a learning environment. Be
in class and on time. Be courteous to
professor and fellow classmates when they are speaking. In addition to helping
others, this is the best way to maximize your chances for success in the class. Although I do not penalize for
absences and tardiness as such, these will negatively affect your participation
grade and work in the class. Students
are responsible for any material and assignments missed due to absence or
tardiness. If you are not present, you are obviously missing classroom lecture
and discussion, and others will miss out on your contribution to the course.
4. Course
Calendar (Tentative)
Week 1:
September 5 (TH): Orientation
Week 2:
September
10 (T): Plato, “Allegory of the Cave”
September
13 (TH): Plato, “Allegory of the Cave”
Week 3:
September
17 (T): Plato, “Allegory of the Cave”
September
19 (TH): Film: Part I
Week 4:
September
24 (T): Film: Part II
September
26 (TH): Discussion on film and Allegory
Week 5:
October
1 (T): Plato, Meno Paper #1 Due
October
3 (TH): Plato, Meno
Week 6:
October
8 (T): Plato, Meno
October
10 (TH): Plato, Meno
Week 7:
October
15 (T): Plato, Meno
October 17 (TH): Discussion
Week 8:
October
22 (T): Lecture on Aristotle’s Moral Philosophy (Book I, Ethics)
October
24 (TH): Aristotle, On Friendship (Book 9, Ethics) Paper #2 Due
==============
Week 9:
October
29 (T): Aristotle, On Friendship
October
31 (TH): Aristotle, On Friendship
Week 10:
November
5 (T): Aristotle, On Friendship
November
7 (TH): Aristotle, On Friendship
Week 11:
November
12 (T): Aristotle, On Friendship
November
14 (TH): OPEN
Week 12:
November
19 (T): The Aesthetic Life Paper #3 Due
November
21 (TH): Seducer’s Diary
November
26 (T): Seducer’s Diary
November
28 (TH): NO CLASS –Thanksgiving Break
Week
14:
December
3 (T): Seducer’s Diary
December
5 (TH): The Ethical: A Contrast Paper Rewrites Due
Week 15:
December
10 (T): OPEN
December
12 (TH): Reflections on Course
FINAL
EXAM: