P221: Introduction to Philosophy
Instructor: Victor Taylor, Professor
Office:
Humanities 153
Hours:
MWF 11-12, MW 2-2:30, and TR by appt.
Email:
Vetaylor@ycp.edu
Phone:
X-1755
Fall 2012
S. Dali, Morphological Echo, (1936) Oil on panel, 12 x 13 inches
A philosophical problem has the form: “I don’t know my way about.”
--Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations
It moves, it does not move. It is far, and yet it is near. It is within all things, it is also
outside all this.
--Isa Upanishad
Catalogue Description:
An examination of the fundamental problems of philosophy including a brief survey of
the different philosophical schools of thought of historical importance and contemporary
influence.
Course Introduction:
The selected major philosophers that we will be reading this semester have a significant
place in the history of western and world thought. The careful study of their
philosophical reflections is crucial to further defining what we mean when we use such
terms as “truth,” “beauty,” "morality," "freedom," “community,” and “person” in
exploring the human situation. The contributions of these philosophers have shaped how
we, the bearers of western civilization, view and understand the world and its people in
our present age. In this course, we will study the ways in which our particular worldviews have an important connection to the past and its philosophical structures. By
exploring these connections with past and present philosophers, we will better understand
ourselves and others in the world.
In addition, PHL 221: Introduction to Philosophy will emphasize the five major subfields of the discipline--epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and logic. The
course units focus on each sub-field and the readings will address critical issues as they
relate to a wide range of problems in philosophy. We will compare and contrast different
philosophers and their "systems" in the larger context of critical philosophical inquiry.
*This syllabi is subject to change by the instructor.
Goals:
Enhance critical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
Attain a deeper understanding of philosophical inquiry.
Attain an appreciation for "original" philosophical texts.
Attain an understanding of "professionalism" in the study of philosophy.
Area Distribution Goals:
ADR I: Fine Arts & Humanities:
(Art, Film, Humanities, Literature, Philosophy, Religion, Theatre, Women & Gender
Studies, Music)
ADR I Mission: Courses in ADR I contribute to the Mission Statement for General
Education at York College by developing a student’s critical, creative, and expressive
abilities, helping them to analyze humanistic texts and/or produce artistic works within a
global context. Students completing ADR I courses will be able to:
1. Critically engage with and formally analyze texts, disciplinary-based research, and/or
creative works in the arts and humanities;
2. Develop the critical thinking skills and techniques necessary for disciplinary-based
reading and writing, production of creative works, and/or delivery of performances;
3. Apply critical thinking skills and techniques to the production of oral and written
analyses, disciplinary-based research, creative works, and/or performances.
Texts:
The Philosopher’s Way, Chaffee, 4th Edition.
Reserve Readings
Grading Policy:
The final grade in this course will be calculated from three (3) in-class essay exams, a
research project, and a “Thinking Journal.”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III
Final Project IV
Thinking Journal
20 point units
20 point units
20 point units
20 point units
20 point units
Total 100 point units
Exams provide students with opportunities to demonstrate that they have acquired and/or
further developed a range of important humanities-based critical thinking, writing, and
reading skills. Students, in essays, will identify and analyze major and minor arguments
in primary and secondary disciplinary texts, evaluate major and minor arguments in a
wide range of humanities-based literature, and define key terms and concepts in the
discipline and/or field being studied.
The research project requires that students select a topic of inquiry, develop resources,
and produce a well researched critical analysis within the specifications of the
discipline. The research project requires that students present a brief oral report on their
findings.
The "thinking journal" is comprised of formal and informal writing
assignments. Students should write in their journals three (3) times a week. The
instructor will provide a weekly topic for the journal that will count as the fourth (4)
entry.
4.0 (A)
95-100
3.5 (B+)
85-94
3.0 (B)
80-84
2.5 (C+)
79-75
2.0 (C)
74-70
1.0 (D)
69-65
0.0 (F)
Below 65
Good Habits:
1. Class attendance and participation are significant elements to success.
2. Peer reviews should be thoughtful and constructive.
3. Work should be handed-in on time.
4. Assigned readings should be read before class, not just before.
5. Missed assignments after an excused absence should be made-up promptly.
6. College, in addition to other things, is for thinking, writing, discussing, and exploring.
7. Attending events in the Humanities Lecture Series.
*SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973: Any student in need of
special consideration should make an appointment to see me during office hours.
*All assignments must meet the requirements of effective communication set forth in the
Handbook.
*Academic Integrity and Communication Standard: See Student Handbook.
*This syllabus is augmented by and in compliance with the College catalog.
Schedule
8.29 Introduction.
8.31 Ch. 1: What is Philosophy?, 3-44.
9.5
Discussion.
9.7
Discussion, Thinking Journal (in class).
9.10 Ch.2: What is the Philosopher’s Way?, 49-92.
9.12 Discussion.
9.14 Discussion.
9.17 Thinking Journal (in class).
9.19 Ch. 3: Who Are You?, 101-102.
9.21 Discussion: 111-118 and 131-137.
9.24 Discussion: “Buddhist Concepts of Self,” 159-160.
9.26 Exam I
9.28 Ch. 5: How Can We Know the Nature of Reality?, 227-268.
10.1 Discussion.
10.3 Discussion.
10.5 Thinking Journal (in class).
10.8 The Matrix
10.10 The Matrix
10.12 Exam II
10.17 Ch. 6: What is Real?, “We Constitute Our World: Kant,” 315-333.
10.19 Discussion.
10.22 Discussion.
10.24 Thinking Journal (in class).
10.26 Ch.8: Are There Moral Truths?, 427-477.
10.29 Discussion
10.31 The Debt.
11.2 The Debt.
11.5 Discussion
11.7 Discussion.
11.9 Ch. 9: Are There Right Actions?, 481-551.
11.12 Discussion.
11.14 Discussion.
11.16 Exam III
11.19 Review.
11.26 Review.
11.28 Review.
11.30-12.10--Projects