PHILOSOPHY 1: Introduction to Philosophy (Section 2852)
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 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. 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: Personal journal, turned in each Monday, three take home essays
exams 3 questions each. 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 other websites for readings
- Handouts: Gadamer, Davidson.
- Rorty, R., Philosophy and Social Hope, Penguin, 1999
|
Date |
Topic |
Reading Assignment |
|
8/27-29 |
Introduction to Philosophy, Bildung/education |
Kolak, xi-23, Pickard handout |
|
9/3 |
Labor Day: No Class |
|
|
9/5,10,12 |
Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito |
Five Dialogues |
|
9/17-19 |
Plato: Phaedo |
Five Dialogues |
|
9/24-26 |
Plato/Aristotle |
http://plato.stanford.edu |
|
10/1 |
FIRST ESSAY DUE |
|
|
10/1,3,8 |
Freedom, Knowledge, Reality |
Kolak 4, 5, 7 |
|
10/10,15,17 |
Rationalism/Empiricism |
http://plato.stanford.edu, Rorty |
|
10/22-24 |
God, Experience |
Kolak 6, 8 |
|
10/29-31 |
Consciousness, Cosmos, Death |
Kolak 9, 10, 11 |
|
11/5 |
SECOND ESSAY DUE |
|
|
11/5-7 |
Contemporary Philosophy: Rorty/Gadamer/Davidson |
Rorty, Handouts |
|
11/12 |
Veterans Day: No class |
|
|
11/14,19,21 |
Philosophical Hermeneutics |
Handout |
|
11/26-28 |
Philosophy & Social Hope |
Rorty |
|
12/3, 5,10 |
Meaning, Ethics, and Values |
Kolak 12,13,14 |
|
12/12,12-3PM |
FINAL MEETING REQUIRED (FINAL JOURNAL & ESSAY DUE Mon,17th) |