An Introduction to
Philosophy
Dr. Elizabeth Shadish
Section 2554
Orientation Session
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Roster/Adding and Dropping
• If space permits, I will add at the end of
the session today.
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Review of Basic Course Information
Comments/Questions about Course
Content
While the Roster is Called…
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Your Orientation Quiz will cover the
course description, policies and the
syllabus information.
• Bring a 10-question scantron to class on
Feb. 21 for this quiz.

“Philosophy begins in
wonder “
Aristotle
Using the Syllabus
Readings indicate chapters (Rachels) or debates
(Waller) you should be prepared to discuss in class
(that is, read ahead).
The “Tests/Assignments/Notes” column should keep
you on track regarding your varied assignments.
Dates for these assignments are rarely changed;
typically, I will adjust the content of the test
rather than move the date.
Assignments and Grading
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Journals – personal and supported
reflections on some philosophical
questions
Tests – MC/TF/Short Answer tests in
class
• Orientation Quiz – from course policies,
syllabus and course description

Debates – guided debate-like class
discussions of some topics
Course Policies

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The “nos” – no extra credit, no late
debate reports (with one exception)
The “maybes” – late Journal
submissions are accepted but
penalized; electronic submissions are
accepted in the right format
A suggestion – keep all your graded
work!
Course Content
The love of (philo) wisdom (sophia)
Conflicting beliefs can generate
philosophical inquiry.
If we’re free, why do we do what we don’t
want to do?
If we all have our own values, why does
every society agree that wanton murder
is wrong?
Philosophy through Debates

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Two sides given fair presentation
Comparison, for selecting the best
position
Exposure to the “give and take” of
issue-oriented debate
The Personal - Some Useful
Philosophical Attitudes

Open-mindedness
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Critical thinking

A willingness to engage in and trust
reasoned debate
Methods of Philosophy
Issues of meaning
Definitions, clarification, understanding
Issues of truth
Support, evidence, application of
principles
Issues of logic
Assumptions, implications
Your Resources

You will have plenty of help – but
you must use it!
• Basic course material, of course!
• Each other, through class discussion and
other collaboration
• Professor Accessibility
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eshadish@elcamino.edu
SOCS 213B – Office Hours, 8- 9:30 am TT
Online Resources
Website:
http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/esha
dish/Phil2/Index2.htm
• Course information
• Details of Assignments
• Some PowerPoints
• Select study aids
So, Let’s Get Started!
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Read Chapter 1 in the Rachels text –
“The Legacy of Socrates”
Read actively:
• Jot down your thoughts and questions
as you read
• Use a dictionary

Question everything – even your own
views