PHILOSOPHY 1: Introduction to Philosophy - Sections 2946 & 2951
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Dr. Dean Pickard |
Fall 2008, T/Th 11:15-12:35 and 2:15-3:35, HSS 156 |
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Santa Monica College |
E-mail: pickard_dean@smu.edu |
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or: http://homepage.smc.edu/util/homepageIndex/, fill in my name |
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.
Course Texts/Reading:
Primary Readings:
- Kolak, D., Wisdom Without Answers, 5th ed., Wadsworth, 2002. (Bookstore)
- Grube (tr) Sections of early Platonic Dialogues, Trial and Death of Socrates, Hackett. (Bookstore)
- http://classics.mit.edu/ and
http://plato.stanford.edu/
and other websites for readings
- Handouts: see http://www.deanpickard.com
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Date |
Topic |
Reading |
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9/3, 9/10 |
Introduction to Philosophy, Bildung/education |
Kolak, xi-22, http://www.deanpickard.com |
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9/17, to 9/24 |
Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo |
Dialogues |
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FIRST ESSAY EXAM DUE 10/1 |
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10/1, 10/8 |
Early Therories: PreSocratics |
http://plato.stanford.edu/
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10/15 to 10/29 |
Plato/Aristotle |
http://plato.stanford.edu/ |
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11/5, 11/12 |
Rationalism/Empiricism
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http://plato.stanford.edu |
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11/19 |
Kant, God, Experience
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Pickard, Kolak 6, 8, and http://plato.stanford.edu |
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SECOND ESSAY EXAM DUE 11/5 (PreSoc, Plato, Arist) and 11/26 (Rat-Emp-Kant) |
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11/26 |
Theory & Interperetation: Freedom, Knowledge, Reality |
Kolak 4, 5, 7 |
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12/3 |
Reductive Strategy: Consciousness, Cosmos, Death |
Kolak 9, 10, 11 |
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12/10 |
Nietzsche & Contemporary Philosophy |
Kolak 12, 13, 14, http://plato.stanford.edu |
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12/17 |
Optional Class for Extra Help |
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FINAL ESSAY EXAM DUE in person 12/17 or Sunday 12/21 by email |
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This outline is subject to revision. Carefully follow announcements in class or online to view any changes. |
Drop Deadlines: 9/14 w/o W, 10/19 w/W, 11/16 w/approval |