Dean Pickard Ph.D.

PHILOSOPHY 1 Section 1613 - Introduction to Philosophy (SMC)

Course Description: An introduction to philosophy (love of wisdom) that will emphasize metaphysics (theories of reality), epistemology (theories of knowledge), and contemporary critiques of these. We will begin by dealing with questions that tend to provoke wonder and puzzlement at the world we take for granted and challenge our basic and unexamined assumptions. At the same time we will read several of the Socratic dialogues of Plato to get a sense of one of the paradigmatic philosophers, Socrates. We will then cover a few of the other important figures in the history of philosophy to see how the dialogue of philosophy has developed. We will spend some time with some of the cutting edge currents in contemporary philosophy to see what has become of the traditional philosophical issues after the “linguistic turn.” This course offers the student an opportunity to examine and transform his or her awareness of him or herself and the world.

What is Philosophy?: Philosophy literally means love (philos) of wisdom (sophia). Wisdom is not knowledge, but as the word wisdom indicates, “seeing,” in the metaphorical sense of seeing into things. Philosophy cannot be simply defined, but it concerns the activity of thinking very carefully and critically about such fundamental issues as self, society, reality, truth, meaning, value, reason, and philosophy itself. Our beliefs and our world views that guide our actions are rooted in Western philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions. This course can improve your ability to think more clearly, critically, and with more perspective about your beliefs and the cultural, conceptual, linguistic tradition from which they emerged. Philosophy is typically arranged into these areas: 1) Metaphysics (theories of reality), 2) Epistemology (theories of knowledge and truth), 3) Axiology (theories of value, including moral philosophy or ethics, and aesthetics) 4) Logic (study of the properties of consistent inference). Philosophy can also be divided according to topics, such as, philosophy of… art, science, language, law, politics, etc. All labeling is for convenience and no label is precise or fully adequate. Any philosophical question in some way presupposes or implies many others. Philosophy is the activity of very carefully and rigorously questioning our most basic assumptions in order to either better understand things for its own sake, or in order to live a better life. In this sense, philosophy can be seen either as the pursuit of truth for its own sake or the pursuit of importance that makes a difference in human life. For many philosophers it was both.

Grading

The course will not presuppose any background other than college level ability to read and write. Reading material will be presupposed for each class. Attendance will be required for a grade. Writing: Personal journal, two take home essays, take home discussion questions. The journal will be turned in each Monday.

Note:

1. If you drop the class, do so officially or you may receive an automatic F for the course.
2. You are subject to automatic exclusion if you miss 2 weeks of class.
3. If you come to class late or leave early, please sit in the rear of the class. Seats there should be otherwise left empty.
4. Beepers and cell phones should be turned off before entering class.
5. Please see me first for help or complaints. This is stated as a polite request, but is intended as a requirement.
6. This outline is a basic guide and is subject to revision. Follow announcements in class about any changes.

Course Texts

1. Kolak, D., Wisdom Without Answers, 5^th ed., Wadsworth, 2002.
2. http://classics.mit.edu/ and other websites for readings
3. Handouts.