Room: B104
Phone: 610.627.6242
E-mail: rsimpson@rtmsd.org
Materials:
Wolff, Robert Paul. About Philosophy . 10 th
Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice
Hall, 2009.
Gaarder, Jostein. Sophie’s World. New York: Berkley Books, 1991.
Students should also have with them every day:
Notebook specific to the course
Folder or binder for handouts and all previous tests and quizzes
Pen or pencil
Course:
Why study philosophy? What is it? The truth is, there is no one type of philosophy.
According to your textbook, philosophy is “the systematic, critical examination of the way in which we judge, evaluate, and act, with the aim of making ourselves wiser, more selfreflective, and better men and wome n (Wolff, 419).” This course has two main objectives. I hope to give you a basic understanding of the subject so that you will be better prepared when you graduate. Second, I hope you become better thinkers.
Philosophy is not always sitting in the woods pondering the existence of the world.
Thinking philosophically means opening your mind and examining all possibilities so that you may come to the best conclusion. In the process, philosophical thinkers learn the way other people think, thus promoting a better understanding of cultures and the way the world operates.
Content:
The course is comprised of six main units, listed as follows:
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy of Science
The Theory of Knowledge
Ethics
Metaphysics
Social and Political Philosophy

In each section we will identify major themes and ideas and examine the philosophers who provided the greatest contribution to that particular field.
Grading:
All units will finish with a multiple choice test and possibly an essay question.
Throughout the semester a variety of projects will be assigned such as film reviews, short essays, critiques/philosophical analysis of trends and pop culture, etc….
Class Participation :
Your daily involvement in class discussion is expected! Philosophy is best understood when you practice it. Therefore, it is essential that you ask questions, enter into debate, and vocally challenge another’s point of view (and sometimes your own). Proper participation also includes arrival to class on time, preparation, and focus during class. You will be evaluated every day. You must participate! A class participation grade will be assigned to one or both marking periods
Your final grade is the total of the following equation:
(1 st Semester Grade x .40)
+ (2 nd Semester Grade x .40)
+ (Final Exam Grade x .20)
= final grade