Philosophy 150
Introduction to Philosophical Thought
Dr. Leemon McHenry
Fall 2007
Office Hrs: TTh—10:00-11:00 am (and by app)
Email: Leemon.McHenry@csun.edu
I. Required Texts
Reflections on Philosophy: Introductory Essays, edited by Leemon McHenry and Takashi Yagisawa, 2nd edition, Longman, 2003.
Philosophy: The Classic Readings, edited by Leemon McHenry, University Readers, 2007.
II. Course Description
This course satisfies the “Philosophy and Religion” (C.3) section of the General Education Program. Courses in this section are designed to promote critical reflection on questions concerning the nature, meaning and value of human existence, the world in which we live, and our relations with one another. Students should understand the sources and limits of knowledge, and they should appreciate and be able to assess different world views and moral teachings that have played central roles in human culture.
More specifically, this course is designed as an introduction to philosophy via contemporary philosophical problems and by an examination of the life and thought of historical figures such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke and Hume. The primary aims of the course are: (i) to expose students to the major areas of philosophical inquiry pertaining to knowledge, truth, reality and mind, (i.e., logic, metaphysics, epistemology, personal identity, and philosophy of mind), and (ii) to develop critical thinking skills by analysis and evaluation of philosophical arguments.
III. Course Requirements
1. Two Exams @ 30% each . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60%
Exams contain multiple choice questions, short answers and essay questions.
2. Quizzes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30%
There will be approximately 6 quizzes. The lowest grade will be dropped.
3. Participation/Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10%
Attendance will be taken at each class session. Participation will be judged on the basis of your
willingness to take an active role in the course, e.g., response to questions, group dynamics, and
overall class performance.
Grade scale: A--90%-100%; B--80%-89%; C--70%-79%; D--60%-69%; F--0%--59%.
Plus/Minus grading will be used.
IV. Class Etiquette and Policies
There are no shortcuts to learning philosophy. The subject demands that students learn in the old-fashioned manner of time-consuming and disciplined study. This means you must spend time reading the classic texts of philosophy (and secondary sources), devote your attention to lectures and involve yourself in critical discussion of the material covered.
1. Attendance is necessary to do well in the course. If you must miss class for any reason, you are responsible for making up any work missed. Find out before coming to class what you missed and make sure you are prepared for the session. Excessive absence will significantly lower your grade and normally results in failure.
2. Attendance alone is not sufficient for passing the class. Prepare for each class carefully and take an active role in discussions. As a general rule, you should spend two hours preparing for each hour spent in class.
3. The Five Minute Rule. Punctuality is a requirement, not an option. Class begins on time. After the first five minutes, no arrivals to class will be permitted. This does not mean that class begins at the five minute mark.
4. Leaving class without prior permission from the instructor will not be permitted, especially after quizzes given at the beginning of the class period. Walking in and out of class on your own schedule is a disturbance to others.
5. There will be no make-ups for exams or quizzes missed due to unexcused absences. If an absence is excused, prior notification is required. Do not assume that a make-up will be given if you miss class. Make-ups are rare and given only in extreme circumstances. Documentation such as a doctor’s note or police report will be required. Do not schedule anything that conflicts with the final exam. You are required to sit the exam during the scheduled time.
6. Eating in class is not permitted. This is the time for discussion and concentration on the subject.
7. Cell phones, pagers and any other electronic devices should be turned off prior to class sessions.
8. There are no extra credit assignments in lieu of failing exams or quizzes. Occasionally there will be extra credit questions offered on exams. These allow extra points beyond 100%.
9. The last day to withdraw by permission of the instructor is Friday, September 14. After that date, withdrawals are not permitted. See page 13 of the Fall 2007 Schedule of Classes.
10. The instructor is committed to upholding the university’s policy regarding academic dishonesty. See the university catalogue, Appendix C, Academic Dishonesty.
V. Tentative Course Outline
1. INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
What philosophy is, and what it is not.
The Philosophy of Socrates
Absolutism vs. Relativism
Required Reading:
Chapter One of Reflections on Philosophy
Leemon McHenry
Selections from Philosophy: The Classic Readings
Russell, “The Value of Philosophy”
Plato, Euthyphro, Apology, Theaetetus
2. LOGIC
Analysis and Evaluation of Philosophical Arguments:
Deduction and Induction
Required Reading:
Chapter Two of Reflections on Philosophy
Takashi Yagisawa
3. METAPHYSICS
Ontology, Plato and Aristotle, A Modified Platonism, Logical Positivism and Pragmatism.
Required Reading:
Chapter Three of Reflections on Philosophy
Leemon McHenry
Selection from Philosophy: The Classic Readings
Plato, “The Divided Line and Allegory of the Cave” in The Republic
Aristotle, “On Substance” from Categories, On Generation and Corruption and The Metaphysics
MID-TERM EXAM
4. EPISTEMOLOGY
Knowing That, Reliable Evidence, Scepticism
Required Reading:
Chapter Five of Reflections on Philosophy
Frederick Adams
Selections from Philosophy: The Classic Readings
` Plato, Theaetetus.
René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy, Meditations I and II.
5. PERSONAL IDENTITY
Body, Psychological Continuity, Brain and Soul Theories
Required Reading:
Chapter Eleven of Reflections on Philosophy
Gary Fuller
Selections from Philosophy: The Classic Readings
John Locke, “Personal Identity,” An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
David Hume, “Of Personal Identity,” A Treatise of Human Nature
6. PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
Mind-Body Dualism, Idealism, Materialism
Required Reading:
Chapter Twelve of Reflections on Philosophy
John Heil
Selections from Philosophy: The Classic Readings
René Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy, Meditation VI.
“Correspondence with Princess Elizabeth”
“Passions of the Soul”
FINAL EXAM