CLASS INFORMATION SHEET
FALL 2008
Department and Number: PHILO 006 (section 66069)
Title: Introduction to Philosophy
Meeting Time/Place: MWF 10:00:11:00am/CUNN 429
Instructor: Dr. Ramon Sewnath Office: CUNN 130 Office Phone: (209)-954-5321
Office Hours: MWF 1:00-2:00pm T TH 12:30-1:30pm
E-mail: rsewnath@deltacollege.edu
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 God? Why
evil?
Required Text: Kessler, Gary E. (2007), Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy
Reader (6th edition), Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
Purpose of the Course:
In this introductory course we will explore the nature of philosophical thinking through a
careful reading and discussion of selected philosophical texts from around the world.
Students will be introduced to some of the basic questions and problems that
philosophers from various cultures and backgrounds have deemed central to the
philosophical enterprise. Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to
hone their analytical and critical thinking skills, and upon completion of the course they
will be able to analyze, explain, and respond critically to important philosophical issues,
both in writing and in speech. The topics to be explored may include, but are not limited
to:
1. What is philosophy? Why should we study philosophy?
2. What is life all about? Does life have meaning? How should one live?
3. What is thinking? What is rationality?
4. What is knowledge? Can I know anything with absolute certainty? How do we justify
our knowledge claims?
5. Is our experience of the world real or an illusion? What is the nature of reality?
6. Who or what am I? Can I know myself?
7. What is the nature of the self and the mind?
8. Is there a God? If so, can I know God?
Class Format:
This class will combine lectures and group discussions. The key concepts, major themes
and issues will be discussed in the lectures. The group discussions will give you an
opportunity to share with your peers your thoughts, reflections, and reactions to the
reading materials. Regular attendance is required and you are expected to arrive on time.
If you leave class before the end of class time, you’ll be marked absent. Excessive
absences will result in dismissal from class. You are encouraged to see me during my
office hours (or after class or by appointment) if you have any questions or concerns
about the course. I especially encourage you to talk with me if you expect to have
problems with your class participation and attendance.
Method of Evaluation:
1. Participation (total worth: 50 points). You must read the assigned materials prior to
coming to class and be prepared to participate actively. You are expected to come to each
class meeting with at least one discussion question about the assigned readings. Be
prepared to present your question to the class and to discuss the main points of the
readings. Please note that additional reading materials may be distributed in class.
2.There will be four quizzes worth 30 points each (total worth: 120 points). Quizzes
will consist of two or three short-answer questions covering the reading materials or
summaries of selected passages from the assigned readings, and/or explanations of key
concepts. There will be NO make-up quizzes.
3. There will be one mid-term examination (total worth: 130 points). The exam will
consist of three or four essay questions, covering the reading materials and the content of
the class discussions.
4. There will be one final examination (total worth: 200 points). You will receive a list
of study questions on the last day of class. On the day of the final exam I will select
randomly three essay questions from the list, and you will be asked to write a brief essay
responding to each of the three questions. Each essay should be approximately 2 pages in
length. The best way to prepare for the final exam is to attend all class sessions, do all the
assigned readings and participate actively in class discussions. Note that both the midterm and final exams are non-cumulative. Additional information on the exams will be
provided in class. Please note that a make-up final exam will be offered only if you
present written documentation of a college-sanctioned excuse.
Grades will be distributed according to a 500-point scale:
500-450 = A
449-400 = B
399-350 = C
349-300 = D
299-0 = F
Important Notes:
1. You are expected to comply with the academic policies and procedures of Delta
College, as described in the Catalog and the Student Handbook & Orientation Guide.
Academic misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, cheating etc.) will result in a failing grade for the
entire course. Moreover, I’ll report you to the Vice President of Student Services for
violation of the Student Standards of Conduct. Further penalties may include suspension
from the college. Do Not make the mistake of engaging in academic misconduct!!!
2. 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.
Class Schedule
This schedule is subject to change. It is your responsibility to stay informed about
changes in reading assignments and or dates and times of quizzes and exams.
Tentative Topics/Assignments
Week I (Aug. 15)
Introduction & Course Overview/Chapt. 1: What is Philosophy?
Week II (Aug. 18-20-22)
Cont. Chapt. 1: Rationality/Value of Philosohpy/Reading Philosophy
Week III (Aug.25-27-29)
Chapt. 2: How should one live? Buddha: The Middle Way Philosophy
Confucius: Life of Virtue
Week IV (Sept. 3-5)
Cont. Chapt. 2: Socrates: The Examined life
***Quiz 1***(Sept. 5)
***September 1, Labor Day:Holiday***
Week V (Sept. 8-10-12)
Cont. Chapt. 2: Aristotle: Life of Moderation/Bhagavad Gita: Yoga Philosophy
Week VI (Sept. 15-17-19)
Chapt. 6: Is knowledge possible?
Descartes: Rationalism/Hume: Empiricism and Skepticism
Week VII (Sept. 22-24-26)
Cont. Chapt. 6: Clifford: Evidentialism/James: Pragmatism
***Quiz II***(Sept. 26)
Week VIII (Sept. 29-Oct. 1-3)
Koller: Classical Indian Epistemology/Narayan: Feminist Epistemology
Review of Epistemological Theories
Week IX (Oct. 6-8-10)
Chapt. 8: What is really real? Laozi: The Dao
Week X (Oct. 13-15-17)
Cont. Chapt. 8:Plato: The world of Ideas
***Mid-term exam***(Oct. 17)
Week XI (Oct. 20-22-24)
Cont. Chapt. 8: Berkeley: Esse is Percipi
Valadez: Pre-Columbian Cosmologies
Review of Metaphysical Theories
Week XII (Oct. 27-29-31)
Chapt. 10: What am I?/Descartes: You are your Mind
Eve Browning Cole: You are an Embodied Self
Week XIII (Nov. 3-5-7)
Cont. Chapt. 10: Hinrichs: You are a Computing Machine
Searle: You are not a Machine/Bisson: You are Meat
***Quiz III***(Nov. 7)
Week XIV (Nov.12-14)
Chapt. 11: Who am I?/Buddhist: There is no Self
***November 10, Veteran’s Day:Holiday***
Week XV (Nov. 17-19-21)
Parfit: Down with the Ego/Dennett: Where am I?
Week XVI (Nov. 24-26)
Anzaldua/McCloskey: Social identity/Gender Identity
***November 27-30, Thanksgiving Holiday***
Week XVII (Dec. 1-3-5)
Chapt. 12: Is there a God?
Arguments for God’s Existence
***Quiz IV***(Dec. 5)
Week XVIII (Dec. 8-10-12)
Creationism vs. Evolution
Course Review
Week XIX***Final exam***(Date and Time subject to change)
Day: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 10:00-11:50am
CLASS INFORMATION SHEET
FALL 2008
Department and Number: PHILO 006 (section 22390)
Title: Introduction to Philosophy
Meeting Time/Place: MWF 1200-1:00pm/CUNN 429
Instructor: Dr. Ramon Sewnath Office: CUNN 130 Office Phone: (209)-954-5321
Office Hours: MWF 1:00-2:00pm T TH 12:30-1:30pm
E-mail: rsewnath@deltacollege.edu
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 God? Why
evil?
Required Text: Kessler, Gary E. (2007), Voices of Wisdom: A Multicultural Philosophy
Reader (6th edition), Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
Purpose of the Course:
In this introductory course we will explore the nature of philosophical thinking through a
careful reading and discussion of selected philosophical texts from around the world.
Students will be introduced to some of the basic questions and problems that
philosophers from various cultures and backgrounds have deemed central to the
philosophical enterprise. Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to
hone their analytical and critical thinking skills, and upon completion of the course they
will be able to analyze, explain, and respond critically to important philosophical issues,
both in writing and in speech. The topics to be explored may include, but are not limited
to:
1. What is philosophy? Why should we study philosophy?
2. What is life all about? Does life have meaning? How should one live?
3. What is thinking? What is rationality?
4. What is knowledge? Can I know anything with absolute certainty? How do we justify
our knowledge claims?
5. Is our experience of the world real or an illusion? What is the nature of reality?
6. Who or what am I? Can I know myself?
7. What is the nature of the self and the mind?
8. Is there a God? If so, can I know God?
Class Format:
This class will combine lectures and group discussions. The key concepts, major themes
and issues will be discussed in the lectures. The group discussions will give you an
opportunity to share with your peers your thoughts, reflections, and reactions to the
reading materials. Regular attendance is required and you are expected to arrive on time.
If you leave class before the end of class time, you’ll be marked absent. Excessive
absences will result in dismissal from class. You are encouraged to see me during my
office hours (or after class or by appointment) if you have any questions or concerns
about the course. I especially encourage you to talk with me if you expect to have
problems with your class participation and attendance.
Method of Evaluation:
1. Participation (total worth: 50 points). You must read the assigned materials prior to
coming to class and be prepared to participate actively. You are expected to come to each
class meeting with at least one discussion question about the assigned readings. Be
prepared to present your question to the class and to discuss the main points of the
readings. Please note that additional reading materials may be distributed in class.
2.There will be four quizzes worth 30 points each (total worth: 120 points). Quizzes
will consist of two or three short-answer questions covering the reading materials or
summaries of selected passages from the assigned readings, and/or explanations of key
concepts. There will be NO make-up quizzes.
3. There will be one mid-term examination (total worth: 130 points). The exam will
consist of three or four essay questions, covering the reading materials and the content of
the class discussions.
4. There will be one final examination (total worth: 200 points). You will receive a list
of study questions on the last day of class. On the day of the final exam I will select
randomly three essay questions from the list, and you will be asked to write a brief essay
responding to each of the three questions. Each essay should be approximately 2 pages in
length. The best way to prepare for the final exam is to attend all class sessions, do all the
assigned readings and participate actively in class discussions. Note that both the midterm and final exams are non-cumulative. Additional information on the exams will be
provided in class. Please note that a make-up final exam will be offered only if you
present written documentation of a college-sanctioned excuse.
Grades will be distributed according to a 500-point scale:
500-450 = A
449-400 = B
399-350 = C
349-300 = D
299-0 = F
Important Notes:
1. You are expected to comply with the academic policies and procedures of Delta
College, as described in the Catalog and the Student Handbook & Orientation Guide.
Academic misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, cheating etc.) will result in a failing grade for the
entire course. Moreover, I’ll report you to the Vice President of Student Services for
violation of the Student Standards of Conduct. Further penalties may include suspension
from the college. Do Not make the mistake of engaging in academic misconduct!!!
2. 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.
Class Schedule
This schedule is subject to change. It is your responsibility to stay informed about
changes in reading assignments and or dates and times of quizzes and exams.
Tentative Topics/Assignments
Week I (Aug. 15)
Introduction & Course Overview/Chapt. 1: What is Philosophy?
Week II (Aug. 18-20-22)
Cont. Chapt. 1: Rationality/Value of Philosohpy/Reading Philosophy
Week III (Aug.25-27-29)
Chapt. 2: How should one live? Buddha: The Middle Way Philosophy
Confucius: Life of Virtue
Week IV (Sept. 3-5)
Cont. Chapt. 2: Socrates: The Examined life
***Quiz 1***(Sept. 5)
***September 1, Labor Day:Holiday***
Week V (Sept. 8-10-12)
Cont. Chapt. 2: Aristotle: Life of Moderation/Bhagavad Gita: Yoga Philosophy
Week VI (Sept. 15-17-19)
Chapt. 6: Is knowledge possible?
Descartes: Rationalism/Hume: Empiricism and Skepticism
Week VII (Sept. 22-24-26)
Cont. Chapt. 6: Clifford: Evidentialism/James: Pragmatism
***Quiz II***(Sept. 26)
Week VIII (Sept. 29-Oct. 1-3)
Koller: Classical Indian Epistemology/Narayan: Feminist Epistemology
Review of Epistemological Theories
Week IX (Oct. 6-8-10)
Chapt. 8: What is really real? Laozi: The Dao
Week X (Oct. 13-15-17)
Cont. Chapt. 8:Plato: The world of Ideas
***Mid-term exam***(Oct. 17)
Week XI (Oct. 20-22-24)
Cont. Chapt. 8: Berkeley: Esse is Percipi
Valadez: Pre-Columbian Cosmologies
Review of Metaphysical Theories
Week XII (Oct. 27-29-31)
Chapt. 10: What am I?/Descartes: You are your Mind
Eve Browning Cole: You are an Embodied Self
Week XIII (Nov. 3-5-7)
Cont. Chapt. 10: Hinrichs: You are a Computing Machine
Searle: You are not a Machine/Bisson: You are Meat
***Quiz III***(Nov. 7)
Week XIV (Nov.12-14)
Chapt. 11: Who am I?/Buddhist: There is no Self
***November 10, Veteran’s Day:Holiday***
Week XV (Nov. 17-19-21)
Parfit: Down with the Ego/Dennett: Where am I?
Week XVI (Nov. 24-26)
Anzaldua/McCloskey: Social identity/Gender Identity
***November 27-30, Thanksgiving Holiday***
Week XVII (Dec. 1-3-5)
Chapt. 12: Is there a God?
Arguments for God’s Existence
***Quiz IV***(Dec. 5)
Week XVIII (Dec. 8-10-12)
Creationism vs. Evolution
Course Review
Week XIX***Final exam***(Date and Time subject to change)
Day: Friday, December 19
Time: 12:00-1:50pm