CLASS INFORMATION SHEET
San Joaquin Delta College
5151 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95207
Instructor: William Ferraiolo
Dept. & Number: Philosophy 6
Semester: Spring 2007
Title: Introduction to Philosophy
Catalog Description:
This course is a survey of issues in philosophy. Competing positions in the fields of metaphysics,
epistemology, ethics, and the history of philosophy are presented, discussed, and critically evaluated.
Particular areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to: What is philosophy? How should one live? Is
knowledge possible? Is there a God? Why evil?
Text: Kessler, Gary E. (2007), Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy Reader (6th Edition),
Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
Purpose of the Course:
Students should be exposed to questions and problems that philosophers from various cultures and
backgrounds have deemed central to the philosophical enterprise. We will join assorted historical and
contemporary figures in their investigations of some of the more interesting and contentious problems
and issues in the history of philosophical thought from around the world. The subjects of our various
inquiries may include, but are not limited to:
1. What is philosophy?
2. How should one live?
3. What (if anything) makes an act good or evil?
4. What is the nature of the human condition?
5. Are we free or determined – or both?
6. Is knowledge possible? If so, how?
7. When is a belief rationally acceptable or justified?
8. Is there a God? If so, what is God like?
9. What is the nature of the self and the mind?
10. How should one defend one's position?
Obligations of the Student:
Students will be engaged with the presentation, discussion, and critical evaluation of philosophical
attempts to answer these, and other, questions. They will be encouraged to critically examine their own
attitudes toward these issues as well as those of the philosophers that we will be studying. This will
require regular class attendance, careful completion of all reading and/or written assignments prior to
class discussion, and attentive, respectful behavior at all times in the classroom.
Method of Evaluation:
1. There will be three non-cumulative examinations - two midterm examinations and a final
examination. A "make-up" exam will be offered only if the student presents written documentation of
a college-sanctioned excuse. Each examination will be worth 100 points.
Total possible points : 300
2. There will be six quizzes worth 25 points each. The two lowest of the six grades will be dropped
(i.e. they will not count toward the student's final grade). Three of the quizzes will be unannounced.
There will be NO "make-up" quizzes.
Total possible points: 100
3. There will be one paper of approximately 6 pages. Possible paper topics will be distributed some
time within the first month of classes. LATE PAPERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. It is suggested
that students begin research and pre-writing activities for this paper IMMEDIATELY. The paper will
be due approximately 3 weeks prior to the beginning of final examinations.
Total Possible Points: 100
Note: Academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, cheating, etc.) will result in a failing grade for the
ENTIRE COURSE. Further penalties may include suspension from the college. Do not make the
mistake of engaging in academic misconduct!!
Grades will be distributed according to a 500-point scale (no "curve"):
500 - 450 = A
449 - 400 = B
399 - 350 = C
349 - 300 = D
299 - 0 = F
Tips:
1.
Come to every class that it is physically possible for you to attend.
Students who attend
regularly almost invariably perform better in philosophy classes than those who do not. It is practically a
law of nature.
2.
Read every assignment at least twice before coming to the class period during which it is to be
discussed. Much of the material for this class is difficult, and a second reading is generally required for
coming to grips with it (sometimes a third, fourth, or even a tenth reading will be necessary).
3.
Begin writing your paper early. Today would be a good day to start reading through the text to
get some idea of what might interest you. Hand in a rough draft early enough to make changes as
indicated by the instructor. Do not hand your paper in late!
Any student with a disability or physical/psychological condition which makes the class especially
challenging should bring this to the instructor's attention at the student's first opportunity so that
appropriate arrangements can be made.
My office: CUNN 433
My office phone: 954-5375
My office hours: MWF: 2:00-3:00pm, TTh: 8:30-9:30pm
My e-mail: bferraiolo@deltacollege.edu