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Course Outline for Philosophy 4
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY: KNOWLEDGE
I.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
PHIL 4 — INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY: KNOWLEDGE — 3 units
Primary works of philosophy in the areas of knowledge, truth, and thought. Systematic
analysis of documents that constitute the major statements in the theory of Knowledge—the
functions of reasoning, intuition, and sense experience. 3 hours.
II.
NUMBER OF TIMES COURSE MAY BE TAKEN FOR CREDIT: One
III.
PREREQUISITE AND/OR ADVISORY SKILLS: None
IV.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
A.
analyze philosophical statements about the theories of knowledge, truth and thought;
B.
discuss philosophical documents about the nature of knowledge, truth and thought;
C.
discuss the criteria for the creation of knowledge, truth and thought;
D.
demonstrate the ability to document the sources for the creation of knowledge, truth
and thought;
E.
apply understanding of the limits of knowledge, truth and thought.
V.
CONTENT:
A.
Method of inquiry
1.
historical view of knowledge, truth and thought
2.
theories of the creation of knowledge, truth and thought
3.
major philosophers writing about the theories of knowledge, truth and thought
B.
Identification of subdivisions within the epistomological realm
1.
intellectual inquiry
2.
the philosophy of education
3.
the philosophy of the mind
C.
Epistomological systems
1.
empirical and necessary truth
2.
empiricism and rationalism
3.
presupposition
4.
skepticism
5.
pragmatism
6.
rationality
VI.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
A.
Lecture
B.
Instructor-guided discussion
C.
Video presentations and discussion
D.
Individual research and presentation
E.
Small group discussion and presentation
VII.
TYPICAL ASSIGNMENTS:
A.
Reading:
Course Outline for Philosophy 4
Page 2
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY: KNOWLEDGE
Read the dialog between Glaucon and Socrates in Plato’s Republic; be
prepared to discuss the relationship between “good” and “knowledge.”
2.
Read Berkeley’s “A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge;”
be prepared to discuss its description of empirical truth.
Writing:
1.
One- to two-page journal entries following each class session on assigned
readings containing both personal reactions and critical analyses. Include
reactions to in-class presentations and discussions when appropriate.
2.
Two four- to five-page analytical essays demonstrating understanding of
topics from assigned readings and class discussions.
Collaborative learning:
1.
Small group oral presentation of an appropriate epistomological philosopher
and his/her central ideas.
2.
Group term project: choose an epistomological system such as skepticism or
pragmatism and demonstrate its presence in at least three texts from relevant
philosophers.
1.
B.
C.
VIII.
EVALUATION:
A.
Examinations, mid-term and final
1.
Typical questions:
a.
Short answer – Does it make sense to say that a statement is true for a
particular person? Can truth be subjective?
b.
Essay – Discuss Aristotle’s arguments concerning Plato’s “Theory of
Forms.”
c.
Compare Descartes’ innate ideas with John Locke’s concept of “tabula
rasa.”
d.
What is Kant’s criticism of Hume’s epistemological position?
e.
Contrast Berkeley’s position as the “ideal materials” with Hume’s theory
on “impressions.”
B.
Short in-class writing assignments at the completion of major topics.
IX.
TYPICAL TEXTS:
A.
Plato, Protagoras and Meno, W.K.C. Guthrie (Translator). Reprint edition. Penguin
Classics, Viking Press, 1957, or similar current edition.
B.
Descartes, Rene. Discourse on Method and the Meditations. Reprint edition.
Penguin Classics, Viking Press, 1987, or similar current edition.
C.
Locke, John, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, Peter H. Nidditch
(Editor). Clarendon Press, 1989, or similar current edition.
D.
Hume, David, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Tom L. Beauchamp
(Editor). Oxford Philosophical Texts, Oxford University Press, 1999.
E.
Berkeley, George, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge,
Hackett Pub. Co., 1982.
X.
OTHER MATERIALS REQUIRED OF STUDENTS: None
Creation Date: 11/5/93
Revision Date: 11/28/99
phil4.doc