PHILOSOPHY 1: Introduction to Philosophy (Section 1641)
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Dr. Dean Pickard |
Summer 2008, M,T,W, Th 12:30-2:35, Rm Bundy 239 |
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Santa Monica College |
E-mail: pickard_dean@smu.edu |
Course Description: An introduction to philosophy 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 that challenge our basic and unexamined assumptions.
We will look at the human process of self-formation and self-overcoming (Bildung) in which all
wisdom emerges. At the same time we will read several of the Socratic dialogues of Plato to get
a sense of one of the paradigmatic philosophers and human beings, 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 (Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant). 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 will be presupposed for each class.
Attendance will be required for a grade. Writing: Three take home essay exams. A total of 9-10 essays. Of these, 4-6 will be graded, including
your best work..
Note:
- If you drop the class, do so officially or you could receive an F that is beyond
the control of the professor.
- You are subject to exclusion if you miss 3 classes. Following an absence find out
what you missed.
- Late arrival or early departure: sit near the door and notify Professor of arrival
and departure time.
- Beepers/cell phones should be turned off before entering class.
- Please see me first for help or complaints. This is stated as a polite request,
but is intended as a requirement.
**This outline is a basic guide and is subject to revision. Follow announcements
in class about any changes.
Course Texts/Reading:
Primary Readings:
- Kolak, D., Wisdom Without Answers, 5th ed., Wadsworth, 2002.
- Grube (tr) Plato: Five Dialogues, Hackett.
- http://classics.mit.edu/ and
http://plato.stanford.edu/
and other websites for readings
- Handouts: Gadamer, Davidson.
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Date |
Topic |
Reading |
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6/30-7/1 |
Introduction to Philosophy, Bildung/education |
Kolak, xi-23, Pickard handouts |
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7/2-7 |
Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito (7/3 Drop w/no W) |
Five Dialogues |
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7/8 |
Plato: Phaedo |
Five Dialogues |
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7/9-10 |
Plato/Aristotle |
http://plato.stanford.edu/
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FIRST ESSAY DUE 7/14 |
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7/14-15 |
Freedom, Knowledge, Reality |
Kolak 4, 5, 7 |
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7/16-17 |
Rationalism/Empiricism (7/18 Drop w/ W) |
http://plato.stanford.edu |
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7/21-22 |
God, Experience (7/30 Drop w/approval) |
Kolak 6, 8 |
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7/23-24 |
Consciousness, Cosmos, Death |
Kolak 9, 10, 11 |
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SECOND ESSAY DUE 7/28 |
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7/28-31 |
Contemporary Philosophy: Rorty/Gadamer/Davidson |
Handouts |
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8/4-5 |
Philosophical Hermeneutics |
Handout |
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8/6-7 |
Meaning, Ethics, and Values |
Kolak 12,13,14 |
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FINAL ESSAY EXAM DUE Mon, 8/11 |