Syllabus – keep handy for reference
Dr. Aeon J. Skoble
341 Tillinghast, x2460
Email: askoble@bridgew.edu Web: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/askoble
Office hours: M 10-11, TTH
Texts:
Fundamentals
of Philosophy, 8e, by Stewart,
Blocker, and Petrik (Prentice-Hall)
Overview and
objectives:
This course is designed to introduce you to some of the fundamental methods and problems of philosophy, and some possible solutions to those problems. In many cases it will seem as though there is more than one solution to these problems. Please don’t take that to mean that there is no such thing as right and wrong. The point is that you must learn to come up with the right answer yourself. Seeing two or more competing answers means that you must develop criteria for, and skill at, determining which is most coherent. Philosophy literally means the love of wisdom, and it has also been described as the science of wonder. Philosophy is an unusual discipline in that part of its subject matter is itself. More concretely, though, we can say that philosophy concerns itself with fundamentals: about reality, knowledge, morals, justice, and art. (See Part 1 of your textbook.) The objectives of the course are twofold: (a) that you gain a familiarity with some of the key questions and important thinkers in the field and (b) that you come to develop a sense of yourself as a participant in the grand dialogue of philosophy.
Requirements:
First, you are required to do all the assigned readings prior to class, so as to be able to comment on them if called on, and to ask intelligent questions about things you didn’t understand or things that merit further discussion. Besides the readings in your textbook, there will be additional readings posted on-line, or made available via class handouts. There may also be films assigned for viewing at home.
Second, you are required to attend the class. A large portion of the learning that will go on is a function of the unique real-time dynamic of a college class. The word “attend” here connotes “attentiveness,” not merely presence. Hopefully you will find the class sufficiently exciting that you will prefer not missing it, and will come prepared and alert. In any case, absences in excess of three will result in reduction in your grade, as will disruptive behavior or excessive lateness. If you do have to miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional assignments, from a classmate.
Third, there will be two midterm exams weighted 30% each and a comprehensive final exam weighted 40%, subject to the adjustments noted above.
Fourth, try to observe some of the ground rules of civilized society: Anything with an off switch should be off (as should, ideally, hats), eat and drink quietly and discreetly, don’t read the newspaper or do homework for another class, don’t go to sleep. You are not to use your phone or laptop during class. Disruptive behavior will result in your being asked to leave. Conversely, constructive participation will be rewarded. Please be attentive to the distinction between criticizing an idea and personal attacks. Disagreement is productive, angry fighting is not.
Statement on Open Discussion of Controversial Issues: This course deals with issues that are always provocative and controversial. A requirement of the class is a willingness to listen to and debate others’ points of view and a commitment to freedom of expression. There is no requirement to accept any view, but toleration is crucial. If you are not comfortable with lively and vigorous debate in which your views will be challenged and in which you may freely challenge others’ views (including the professor’s), you should not take this class. The willingness to engage in critical examination and critical re-thinking of what you think you know and what others think they know to be true is a central prerequisite for the class. There will not be any “trigger warnings” in this class. The phrase “I’m offended” indicates an emotional state, not an argument. If you are easily offended, please do not take this class.
Outline (subject to change):
Following partly the organization of the textbook, I have broken the course into six units. The first unit is about what philosophy is, how it works, and why it is important.
The second unit is concerned with an inquiry into what is real.
The third unit is about how it is we can know, and what knowledge is.
The fourth unit deals with the existence of God (or gods).
The fifth unit is concerned with questions of right action and virtues of character, and also the more fundamental question of why we should be moral in the first place.
The sixth unit, as time allows, will consider the applications of these concepts to art and to politics.
Tentatively, we’ll follow this schedule, subject to change if necessary:
Jan 22 - general intro to course/syllabus
Jan 27-19 – Part 1 of textbook
Feb 3-5 – Part 1 (with some consideration of Part 2), Part 3
Feb 10-12 – Part 3
Feb 17-19 – Part 4
Feb 24-26 – Part 4
Mar 3-5- T: 1st midterm exam Th: Part 6
Mar 10-12 – Spring Break
Mar 17-19 – Part 6
Mar 24-26 – Part 5
Mar 31-Apr 2 – Part 5
April 7-9 – T: 2nd midterm exam Th: Part 7
April 14-16 - Part 7
April 21-23- Part 8
April 28-30 – T: Part 8 Th: last class/review for final
May 5 – reading day
May 7, 11:00 am - Final Exam