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 10:15-11:15, TR 1:45-2:45, or by appointment
Texts:
Symposium, Plato (Nehamas and
Woodruff trans., Hackett Publishing)
Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle (Irwin trans., Hackett)
The Epicurus
Reader, Epicurus (Inwood and Gerson, trans.,
Hackett)
The Handbook, Epictetus (White trans., Hackett)
Beyond Good
and Evil, Nietzsche (Kaufmann
trans., Vintage)
Several other pieces to be
distributed in class or on the web.
Overview and
objectives:
What is happiness? How does one attain it? Is that what life is all about? If so, why? If not, what else? What does it mean to live a life, and what would count as doing that well? These are some of the most pressing philosophical questions around today – just have a look at the plethora of “self-help” books and TV programs. As it happens, they are also among the oldest of philosophical questions. It’s worth taking seriously the notion that people can be mistaken about things like the nature of happiness. In this class, we will read classical and contemporary accounts of what happiness is, what it means to flourish as a person, what friendship is, what it means to have or seek values, and we will consider what gives life meaning in a way that transcends TV talk show solutions.
Requirements:
First of all, please note that you are required to do all assigned readings, whether from the texts, on handouts, or on the internet, and to be prepared to comment on them if called on in class to do so. Also, regular attendance is a requirement of the class. This is a reflection of the fact that the primary vehicle for learning the material is the class itself, of which you should see yourself as a part. You should regard coming to class as the norm. Obviously there is such a thing as a good reason to miss class, but be sure you limit your absences to such occasions, as absences in excess of three will result in reduction of overall grade no matter what your average is. Excessive lateness will count as one or more absences. Besides being disruptive, you are missing material. If you do have to miss class, it is your responsibility to get the notes, and any announcements or additional assignments, from a classmate. (On the other hand, if I am late, it almost certainly means I am ill – call the department office at x1258 to find out.)
Adjustments to your grade will be made for both constructive participation in discussions and disruptive behavior, as well as for excessive absences. What is “constructive participation,” and how is it different from “disruptive behavior”? Consider how arguments in a courtroom or legislature take place. Vigorous and passionate disagreement is expressed, but in an atmosphere of civility, courtesy, mutual respect. Decorum matters in those contexts, because that is what enables the coexistence of dispute and civility. You should feel free to ask questions of me and of your classmates, and to agree or disagree as you see fit, but you must strive to maintain an atmosphere of civil discourse, meaning, first, distinguishing between attacks on an idea and attacks on a person, and second, observing some of the ground rules of civilized society. Electronic devices, and ideally hats, should be off. Eat and drink quietly and discreetly, don’t read the newspaper or do homework for another class, don’t go to sleep. There is a difference between philosophical argument (which is cooperative and constructive) and belligerent bickering. You should come prepared – meaning, you should have done the readings, given them some thought, and be enthusiastic about exploring the issues further. If you honestly cannot muster any enthusiasm, drop the class! You’ll enjoy it more if you’re involved, participating, asking questions. Even if you can’t think of anything to say, you can show that you are interested and engaged by sitting upright, making eye contact with the professor, and seeming alert. Pay attention when your classmates speak, not just out of respect, although that’s important enough by itself, but because their comments and questions might be illuminating. While you’re at it, why not learn (some of) their names? At a minimum, don’t talk while they are talking, or otherwise disrespect them with body language and muttering.
More specifically: class participation (10%), midterm exam (25%), paper (30%), final exam (35%).
Other useful tips:
*Make use of my office hours, and don’t hesitate to make an appointment if the posted times are not convenient for you. Don’t wait until it’s “too late” to seek help. If you’re having trouble, let the professor know and show you are concerned. Don’t expect a full recap of the entire semester’s work the day before an exam. Come to office hours with definite questions, concerns, or problems in mind. Don’t wait until you arrive to think about what you need help with.
*Never ask “Did I miss anything important in class the other day?” Of course you did. I recommend the “buddy system.” If you do have to miss class for some reason, get your buddy’s notes and see what you missed first, then come and ask me questions. Also, you are responsible for all notes missed and all announcements made, and the buddy system is your best avenue for seeing to this. Additionally, when exam time comes around, I recommend devoting a portion of your study time to studying with your buddy or others. This helps you fill in gaps in each others’ understanding and forces you to be sure you can articulate the ideas you are reviewing.
*Cheating on exams and quizzes is not tolerated. Plagiarism of any form on written assignments is not tolerated. You will receive an F in the course, and the professor will recommend to the Dean that you be expelled.
*The department maintains a web site, which contains links to useful resources, fun philosophical diversions, and information about coming events of potential interest. Go to http://www.bridgew.edu/philosophy and have a look around!
Outline:
We will begin with selections from Aristotle’s book Nicomachean Ethics. Despite what the title may imply, this is not simply a text on how to act. It contains lengthy discussions about what it means to live a human life, the nature of happiness, the value of friendship. Using Aristotle’s theories as a springboard (maybe you’ll find his arguments compelling, maybe not), we will read some of Plato’s dialogues on love, sex, and friendship. We will then consider some authors who may disagree – Thomas Aquinas and Augustine of Hippo. After that, we will read Epicurus, who very much disagrees with Augustine and Aquinas, and may or may not agree with Plato and Aristotle. We will also consider some writings from the Stoic school. I will follow the section on Epicurus and Stoicism with some selections from Buddhism. I think you’ll see that this is a more natural segue than it might seem at first glance. From Buddhism, we proceed to Nietzsche, and perhaps some later existentialist writers. I will arrange at least one film screening, and we will read some philosophical writing concerning any film we see. We will certainly look at some contemporary thinking on happiness and the meaning of life, and if time permits we will critique some of the popular self-help fads and see how they measure up against more considered approaches.
Calendar (subject to change):
Jan 24 – introduction to course, distribution of syllabus
Jan 29-31 – Aristotle
Feb 5-7 – Aristotle, Plato
Feb 12-14 – Plato, Augustine
Feb 19-21 – Aquinas
Feb 26-28 – Epicurus (Epicurean school), Epictetus (Stoic school)
Mar 4-6 – Stoicism and Epicureanism contrasted with Buddhism
Mar 11- Buddhism continued, review
Mar 13 – midterm exam
[Mar 18-20 – Spring Break]
Mar 25-27 – recap 1st half, Nietzsche
Apr 1-3 – Nietzsche contrasted with Aristotle, other Greeks, Buddhism
Apr 8-10 – contemporary thought, TBA
Apr 15-17 – contemporary thought, TBA
Apr 22-24, Apr. 29 – modern-day “self-help” industry analyzed, compared
Apr 29 – papers due
May 1 – conclusion; review
May 6 – Reading Day
May 8 – final exam (11:00 am)