Spring 2004
Philosophy 101
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Brenda Larsen, Ass’t Professor
TEXTS:
Plato:
Phaedo
Office:
155 Aspen
Telephone: 732-6841
e-mail: blarsen@csi.edu
Translated by F. J. Church
The Library of Liberal Arts pub. by Prentice Hall
Journeys through Philosophy: a Classical Introduction
Eds. Capaldi, Kelly, Navia
Published 1982 by Prometheus Books
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This 3-credit course begins with an exploration of the origins of philosophy in the fertile
intellectual climate of ancient Greece. Students will study several of Plato’s dialogs in their introduction
to the genius of classical writers, and discover during the semester that our own culture is impossible to
imagine without its founding fathers, including: Homer, Herodotus, Sophocles, and Plato.
Students will become acquainted with many of the great ideas of Western philosophy, as well as
its critical methods: they will witness the frustration of Socrates as he submits the articles of his faith to
logical scrutiny, they will scrutinize Descartes’ radical attempt to doubt all of his own opinions, they
will be shocked (perhaps) at Nietzsche’s attempts to overthrow any idea simply because it has become
popular.
Students will encounter a complete array of philosophical issues: character ethics, epistemology,
politics, science, religion, psychology and art. They will discover that while philosophy develops in a
specific cultural context, it is also the product of individual genius, and difficult to separate from the art
of expression. The course emphasizes the literary qualities of great philosophical writing, and the
pleasure of it.
Because the subject matter of philosophy is ideas – their expression, interpretation, clarification,
criticism and creative use – philosophy is basic to every aspect of human existence, and foundational to
general education.
OBJECTIVES: In this course students will
 become more aware of their historical intellectual context, as well as their own personal one.
 learn to recognize philosophical assumptions, both in life and in literature.
 learn the vocabulary of philosophy, the structure of arguments, and the variety of logical and
poetic strategies employed in criticism and persuasion.
 appreciate the recurring themes in philosophy (such as virtue and vice, crime and punishment,
fatalism and responsibility) and the diversity of perspectives people may attach to them.
 consider the radical contrast between the individual or existential point of view and the sociopolitical or exterior point of view.
 develop their reading and writing skills, as well as confidence and enjoyment in expressing,
developing, and defending their opinions.
 discover that a person's philosophical awareness makes him different from objects that she/he is then
able to imagine creative possibilities for himself and to become the author of his own life.
METHODS:
The instructor will spend some of each class period in lecture, providing necessary background
for understanding the literature. The lecture schedule is not rigidly maintained however; students are
encouraged to ask questions during lecture, and to even to offer objections. The spirit of dialog prevails
in the philosophy classroom.
Students will learn both the history of philosophy and how to be philosophical from attending
class, reading primary and secondary sources in philosophy, writing essays, doing thought experiments,
and interacting with their classmates in philosophical exchange.
While class discussion generally concerns the assigned readings, it is not always confined to them;
historical, current and occasionally personal events may be appropriate for discussion.
Informed, enthusiastic and consistent student participation is necessary for a successful class.
Students are expected to attend regularly and to have completed the required reading before discussion
begins.
REQUIREMENTS and EVALUATION:
80% of your grade will be based written work, 20% on attendance and participation in class.
4-5 short essays: 60%
1 final essay: 20%
3 (variable) ungraded but required writing assignments 10%
total earnable points: 110
A = 90-100%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-79%, F = below 60%
Graded essays should be mechanically correct, clearly written, and well-organized. Your
instructor looks for evidence of your genuine engagement with the material, as well as your logical and
creative efforts. To receive credit for the class, all graded assignments must be turned in.
TOPICS:
1. Introduction to Philosophy
What is the Purpose?
2. Socratic Problems
Paradox, Myth, and Legend (fathers & sons, the Oracle at Delphi, the new Achilles)
Readings: Plato's Euthyphro, Apology
3. Analogy in Ancient Greek Philosophy
The state as family, the body as prison house, the philosopher as midwife
Readings: Plato’s Crito, Phaedo
4. The Legacy of Socrates
Epicureanism, Cynicism, and Stoicism
Readings: Variable selections from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius
5. Epistemology
Descartes’ Radical Doubt, Autopsy and Skepticism (is life but a dream?)
Readings: TBA
6. Political & Economic Philosophy (variable)
Plato’s Rebublic & J. J. Rousseau’s Body Politic
Aristophanes’ Plutos (the blind god of wealth) & Francis Bacon on Riches
Readings: TBA
7. Modern & Ancient Psychology
Freud: The Unconscious Mind, Oedipus Conflict, Dream Interpretation
Readings: Selections from Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex
Lord Arthur Sevile’s Crime, Oscar Wilde (if time permits)
8. Existentialism: Kierkegaard & Nietzsche
The Leap of Faith, the Death of God
Readings: TBA
9. Radical Freedom and Responsibility
Jean Paul Sartre: “I am what I am not. I am not what I am.”
Readings: “Existentialism is a Humanism”
Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism may result in failure of this course.
Late Policy: One late paper, turned in not more than one week after the due date will be excused.
Students who habitually turn papers in late risk having their grade reduced by a full letter. Your
professor reserves discretionary power in this matter.
Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability may be eligible for related accommodations.
Consult you professor for contact information.