Course Philosophy: Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy: Philosophy 1103 provides students with a survey of influential thinkers, schools of
thought, and areas of philosophical interest (logic, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and
political philosophy) with equal emphasis on student knowledge of the history of Western
philosophy and student acquisition of critical thinking skills.
Bottom Line: This is not just a history course. Students study and discuss how important
philosophers have addressed important philosophical questions. They complete exercises that
require them to use the critical thinking techniques pioneered by the thinkers they have studied.
Instructor Objectives: The instructor’s teaching techniques should ensure students are able to:
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Distinguish arguments from non-arguments
Identify common informal fallacies
Define Socratic Method and supply counter-examples
Define Rationalism and Empiricism and relate each school to key philosophers
Identify and critique common arguments for the existence of God
Identify and apply Virtue, Kantian and Utilitarian theories of ethics
Identify and critique the social contract/liberal and communist theories of the state
Assignments: Instructors may make use of whatever assignments they deem necessary to
develop Critical Thinking and Communication Skills, or an awareness of Society and Self, such
as
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Online or in class discussions
Online or in class logic tests
Group exercises based on dilemmas, parables, films, web sites, or similar materials
Individual assignments involving library research into the ideas of great philosophers or
schools of philosophy, philosophical problems or texts
Assessment & Final Exam: All instructors during the fall semesters are expected to participate
in the assessment of the course as directed by the lead instructor noted below.
Contact information:
Division Chair: Dr. Dennis Humphrey (501)882-4406, djhumphrey@asub.edu
Lead instructor: Dr. Kae Chatman, (501) 882-8926, kchatman@asub.edu