PHI 2010 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Professor Allen L. McPhee
(305) 237-2636/ RM M315 (KC)/ amcphee@mdc.edu
Faculty Webpage: http://faculty.mdc.edu/amcphee
This course is an introduction to Western Philosophy. It is “an in-depth analysis of some of the
major perennial philosophical problems as exemplified in the thought of several important
philosophers.” Our approach is to introduce classical philosophical problems and/or issues and
then engage in a review of the theories of different philosophers that relate to these issues. For
example, we will look at “morality” and learn of different philosophical theories that
philosophers have developed regarding the nature of morals. Throughout this course, we will be
moving from issue to issue. Our objective in studying these issues is to arrive at a comprehensive
understanding of how philosophy works. More precisely, students must be able to recognize
historically designated philosophical problems/issues, demonstrate an historical understanding of
one major philosopher, and compare and contrast different philosophical views.
This course is a philosophy course. As such, classroom discussions are an inherent part of the
course. Students should read all assigned material prior to coming to class. This course is fast
paced, but approachable if students keep up with reading assignments and regularly attend class.
All classroom sessions are philosophical endeavors and will address student inquiry as they arise.
This course is approached from a positive, constructive perspective. Students are asked to learn
philosophy as if they were about to put it into practice. From this position, students are able to
evaluate the usefulness of many philosophical theories using their own standards. Academic
objectives are achieved by the detailed examination of major topics.
Prerequisites and Co-requisites: None.
3 Credits
Gordon Rule Course
Targeted Outcomes:
Competency 1:
Students will demonstrate knowledge of philosophy by either:
a. Employing effective listening skills.
b. Employing effective speaking skills.
c. Employing effective reading skills.
d. Employing effective writing skills.
Competency 2:
The Student will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of critical
thinking by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms relating to critical thinking.
b. Distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning.
c. Applying various logical techniques to evaluate deductive and inductive
arguments for traditional philosophical theories.
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Competency 3:
The Student will demonstrate an understanding of ethics by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms relating to ethics.
b. Identifying and explaining issues in normative ethics such as
Kantianism, utilitarianism, or hedonism.
c. Describing their values and ethical standards regarding personal, civic
and social responsibility.
d. Describing different theoretical frameworks for resolving ethical
dilemmas.
Competency 4:
The Student will demonstrate an understanding of epistemology
and metaphysics by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms relating to epistemology and
metaphysics.
b. Articulating various historical theories of epistemology and
metaphysics.
c. Analyzing and evaluating various epistemological and metaphysical
ideas.
Competency 5:
The Student will demonstrate knowledge of the various branches of
philosophy such as Aesthetics, Political or Social Philosophy, Philosophy
of Religion, or Logic by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms within these topics.
b. Articulating various theories within these topics.
c. Analyzing and evaluating ideas within these topics
Resources
Textbook --- What does it all mean? A Very Short Introduction Philosophy, by Thomas Nagel
Power Point presentation of for all major areas of discussion
Handouts will be provided to students as needed.
Office Hours: To Be Announced in Class
Understanding philosophy can be real confusing. Students are encouraged to make full use of
office hours for tutoring. Students may also come in groups of two or more. In an office visit,
material will be presented in a way tailored for the understanding of that particular student.
Material will be repeated or stated in different ways until it is understood. In addition, studying
tips that will ensure success in this course will be provided. Students who have difficulty writing
required essays should visit the office for assistance. Please don’t wait for the last minute. Every
student can pass Introduction to Philosophy by making good use of office hours.
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Schedule
Week
2
Lecture
Metaphilosophy
Textbook
3-7
Multimedia
Essays
PowerPoint:
“Philosophy?”
What is
Philosophy?
Due Wk 5
PowerPoint:
“Metaphysics”
3-5
Metaphysics
1st day of
6wk
Test1
6-9
Epistemology
2nd day
of 9wk
Test 2
10-13
Ethics
2nd day
of wk 13
Test 3
14-16
On Final
Exam
Date
8/27/2008
Philosophy
of
Religion
Test 4
8-18
27-37
VHS 4323
“Changing
Knowledge,
Changing Reality”
Topic Assigned
for Second
Essay
Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on Metaphysics
19-26
38-46
PowerPoint:
“Epistemology
2nd Essay Due
Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on Epistemology
59-75
3rd Topic
PowerPoint: “Ethics” Assigned
Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on Ethics
3rd Essay Due
47-58
87-101
PowerPoint:
“Religion”
Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on the
Philosophy of Religion
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Miami Dade College
General Education Outcome Statements
Purpose: Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education
provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of
fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective
citizenship and life-long learning. As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data
Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information
Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical
perspectives.
Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities
Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society
Use computer and emerging technologies effectively
Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the
environment.
Grades
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Test 1: Metaphysics ---------------------100 pts
Test 2: Epistemology --------------------100 pts
Test 3: Ethics -----------------------------100 pts
Test 4: Philosophy of Religion ---------100 pts
Paper 1: What is philosophy? -----------100 pts
Paper 2: Assigned Topic -----------------100 pts
Paper 3: Assigned Topic ----------------100 pts
A -------------------------716 pts to 800 pts
B -------------------------636 pts to 715 pts
C -------------------------556 pts to 635 pts
D -------------------------476 pts to 555 pts
F -------------------------475 pts and below
In order to pass this course, students must achieve both a passing grade which is point total
of at least 556 points. And they must also achieve a point of at least 210 combined points on
the three required papers. These papers fulfill the Gordon Rule requirement of this course
and are graded in accordance to the rubric attached to this syllabus.
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Class Conduct
A.
Attendance – students are expected to attend all class sessions and are
responsible for any work or notes that they miss.
1. Students with two weeks of unexcused absences, before the college’s official
instructor drop date, will be dropped from this course without deliberation. It
is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of any mitigating
circumstance that should be considered before he or she is dropped.
2. Students may not bring children to class.
B.
Tardiness – Coming to class late is disruptive to the class and suggests a lack of
concern for the educational process. Regular tardiness is unacceptable.
C.
Early Departures – Packing your bags before lecture is complete is disruptive to
the class. Students who are caught initiating an early departure will be verbally
reprimanded.
D.
Behavior – Philosophy is a subject for ladies and gentlemen as such students are
expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Rude and/or disruptive behaviors
will not be tolerated and include the following:
1. Chatting with other students while the professor is lecturing
2. Using a loud and rude tone to address others
3. Using profanity at any time within the classroom
4. Refusing to provide your full name when asked
5. Refusing to be silent when asked
6. Wearing headphones in the classroom
7. Sleeping (you maybe asked to leave the classroom)
8. Refusing to leave the classroom when asked
9. Using cell phones in class at any time
10. Speaking/ whispering while taking a test
11. Using a different language while in the classroom
12. Coming to take a test without a Scantron or pencil
E.
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Seating is a privilege, not a right. Students may sit wherever they like unless
otherwise directed by the instructor. The instructor may change a student’s seat at
will if it the change is perceived as being in the best interest of the class. On
testing days, students should always expect their seats to be assigned.
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Miami Dade College
Gordon Rule Writing Rubric
Demonstrates
Emerging CollegeLevel Writing
1
Wavers in purpose
Addresses
Purpose and
Audience
Incompletely
addresses assigned
topic or directions
Shows need for more
study of issues.
Style uneven
Loose focus on
central idea
Demonstrates
Effective
Organization
of Content
Contains some
repetition and
digression
Paragraph
structure weak
Demonstrates
Satisfactory CollegeLevel Writing
2
Adheres to purpose,
fulfills assignment.
Shows adequate
understanding of key
issues
Style generally
appropriate to intended
audience
Demonstrates Proficient
College-Level Writing
3
Communicates purpose
clearly
Shows full understanding
of issues
Style consistently effective
for intended audience
Central idea evident
Paragraph structure
sometimes supports
content.
Consistency, logic and
transitions show some
weaknesses.
Employs
Effective
Language
Thesis evident,
but support is very
general and/or
inconsistent
Several factual errors
Thesis evident but
supported by a mixture
of generalizations and
specific detail.
Some factual errors
Word choice correct but
simple / without variety
Sentence structure
and mechanics
seriously affect
clarity.
Errors in mechanics and
/ or usage do not
obscure content of
assignment.
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Beyond understanding of
issues, shows insigh.
Style engages audience,
establishes writer’s
credibility
Central idea clear
Paragraph structure
uniformly supports content.
Consistency, logic and
transitions well managed.
Presents a plan of
development that is carried
out
Effective supporting
details
Consistent development
Frequent errors in
word choice
Communicates purpose
with sophistication
Central idea clea
Thesis, stated or implied
Demonstrates
Effective
Development:
Thesis
Statement,
Main points,
Supporting
Information,
Conclusion
Demonstrates
Exemplary
College-Level Writing
4
Paragraph structure
consistently and
effectively supports
content.
Clear logic and effective
transitions.
Stated or implied thesis
developed logically,
coherently and
extensively with
convincing, specific
supporting details.
Strong evidence of
critical thinking
No factual errors.
No factual errors.
Word choice accurate,
varied
Choice of language
consistently precise,
purposeful
Occasional errors in
sentence structure
Usage and mechanics do
not hinder writer’s ability
to communicate purpose.
Nearly flawless sentence
structure
Usage, mechanics
contribute to writer’s
ability to communicate
purpose.
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