PHIL& 101 D - Introduction to Philosophy Syllabus
Fall Quarter 2014 TTh 12:30 PM-2:40PM in R304
Instructor: Ferdinand Tablan
E-mail: ftablan@bellevuecollege.edu
Phone: 425-564-2342
Office location: B100
Office Hours: TTh 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM / 5:10 to 6:10 PM
Course Information
This course introduces some of the traditional problems in philosophy (e.g., reality, human freedom,
existence of God, morality, identity). Students examine works by classical and contemporary
philosophers and develop basic philosophizing skills such as critical reasoning, conceptual analysis,
formulating philosophical questions, writing skills, argument strategy and tactics.
Course Outcomes
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Recognize and use basic philosophic vocabulary (e.g., “a priori,” “epistemology,” “contingent,”
etc.) in in-class and take-home essays, short answer tests, or matching quizzes.
Recognize, assess, and be able to use appropriate deductive or inductive argument strategies
and tactics. For instance, students should be able to recognize an arguments logical strengths or
weaknesses, and be able to explain how the truth or falsity of the premises impacts the argument.
Distinguish good evidence or reasoning for a position from bad evidence or reasoning. For
example, students should be able to explain in a one page essay why a philosopher has failed to
support his or her position on a specific issue.
Explain in an essay the arguments (i.e., evidence) for and against a specified position. For
example, students should be able to write a four-page, take-home essay explaining the reasons
an informed and intelligent person might accept the Foundationalist school of epistemology, and
why such a person would reject this school of thought.
Analyze philosophic concepts in writing. For instance, students should be able give an analysis of
concepts such as Justice, Personhood, or the Good. Successful analyses would include an
adequate definition and considerations of potential counterexamples.
Accurately and informatively explain the topics discussed by the philosophers studied in class.
For instance, students studying Descartes should be able to write a one-page essay explaining
what he means be mental and bodily substances.
Identify, distinguish, and explain the different fields in Philosophy (e.g., epistemology,
metaphysics, logic). This may be assessed via short answer tests.
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Write argumentative essays containing clear thesis claims, strong arguments for the theses,
reasonable consideration of opposing views, and conforming to the presentation/writing
standards set forth in the “BCC Philosophy Writing Guidelines" (found at
www.bellevuecollege.edu/philosophy).
How Outcomes will be met
In-Class Participation ( 7%); Assignmens (5%); Class Activities (15%); Two Long Exams (20%); 2
Philosophical Essays (30%) Final Exam (23%)
Grading
100-Point Grading Scale
A 94 - 100
A- 90 - 93
B+ 87 - 89
B 84-86
B- 80-83
C+ 77-79
C 74-76
C- 70-73
D+ 64-69
D
F
60-63
below 60
Books and Materials Required
The required text for this course is Voices of Wisdom A Multicultural Philosophy Reader by Gary Kessler
(USA: Thomson Wadsworth). It is highly encouraged that you look online for used copies of the text that
are less expensive. I recommend the 6th edition, but you can also use the 5th, 7th, or 8th editions,
whichever is available. There are copies of the text at the reserved section of the library which you can
borrow out. You can also take advantage of our college’s book-buyback project or the rental program of
BC book store.
Classroom Policies and Learning Atmosphere
1. Raise your hand to be recognized.
2. Before coming to class, students must have enough sleep and rest. Take a cup of
coffee/tea, or soda that has caffeine. Eat lightly. Some people get sleepy after eating a
heavy meal. Eating during class is not allowed.
3. All written assignments or papers are due at the beginning of the class on the submission
date. Lack of access to a computer and/or computer glitches are not acceptable excuses for
failing to hand in assignments on time. Late submission for any requirement, for whatever
reasons, is subject to a substantial grade reduction – 10% deduction for every meeting. If
you cannot come to class, you can submit your paper in advance or ask one of your
classmates to do it. Late papers cannot be left in my faculty mailbox without my permission.
4. Email submission is NOT allowed.
5. Students are expected to plan their schedules in advance having the dates of the exam in
mind. If you miss a long exam, the only acceptable excuse is serious physical injury/illness
and a note from a hospital or doctor. It is the responsibility of the students to arrange for
make-up work at the convenience of the instructor. All make-up work must be completed
within one week upon returning to class. There will be no make-up for missed class
activities.
6. Meaningful and constructive dialogue is encouraged in this class. This requires a degree
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of mutual respect, willingness to listen, and tolerance of opposing views. Respect for
individual differences and alternative viewpoints will be maintained at all times.
7. Disruptive behaviors including excessive talking, side-chatter, vulgar or offensive actions,
using earphones on high-volume, or reading newspapers and other overt inattentiveness
while in class are not permitted. After one warning, if the disruption continues, you will be
asked to leave the classroom.
8. All returned materials should be kept until the official final grade is given. Back up all
written assignments to insure against loss.
9. No student will be permitted to rewrite a submitted paper. It is understood that all papers
submitted are in their final version.
10. Letter grades (A, B, B+, etc.) are only assigned at the end of the quarter.
11. The final grade is non-negotiable. No extra credit.
Instructor’s Expectation
Examinations: There will be two in-class long exams and a final exam, which will consist of short
answer/multiple choice questions and essay problems on the materials covered. In addition, there will be
a number of assignments and class activities that will be given regularly throughout the quarter. The final
exam will be held on its scheduled day. Long exams will be held on the second half of the class. The
passing score for any exam is 60% of the total items. I do not believe in grading on a curve because it
only encourages mediocrity and resentment among students.
Reading Assignments: Being a text-based course, it is the students’ responsibility to do their own
reading of the assigned text before coming to class. (If you do not do the reading, you will find the
discussions much more difficult to follow.) The expectation is not for the students to have “mastered” the
material, but that they are able to participate in an intellectual conversation about its main topic, answer
some discussion questions, accomplish active learning exercises, test or resolve some objections to the
texts, and suggest passages and/or issues that would be helpful to tackle in class. Instructional
procedure will take the form of commentaries, interpretations, explanations, applications, and critical
questions on some of the major points and difficult passages of the text. It will not be a paragraph-byparagraph lecture of its content.
Class Participation: Discussion is a very important part of the course. Students are expected to bring to
class insights, issues, interpretation, comments, critiques, and questions regarding the required readings
for the purposes of information sharing, argument, and informal debate. People learn in different ways.
Some learn by thinking out loud while others need to listen a while before forming their own conclusions.
However, even for more reserved students, classroom discussion is an important way to think through
questions and ideas. While I do not give graded recitation, I shall take your regular attendance and
consistent thoughtful engagement in class as the basis for in-class participation.
Attendance: It is your responsibility as students to attend all classes on time. Class attendance is
monitored but not graded. Poor attendance may affect your grade because if you miss class, you miss
the discussions, important announcements, active learning exercises, group activities, and the
opportunity to ask questions and get answers. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to update
yourselves with missed assignments and readings. You are likewise accountable for any
announcements, changes in syllabus or class calendar, and schedules of exams and quizzes whether
you have been attending class or not. It is highly encouraged that you establish a connection with a
classmate for notes and assignments if you are late or absent.
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Philosophical Papers: Students will be asked to submit two papers (4 to 5 pages each excluding
bibliography, size 12 font, one-sided double-spaced) throughout the quarter. They must be cleanly typed
and proofread, and pages must be numbered. For these assignments, students have to do independent
reading and interpretation of the texts. If necessary, use footnotes and bibliography. It will be my
pleasure to help and/or discuss your essay with you, but I will not do any editing of your paper nor give a
grade in advance.
Tutorials and Consultation: Every reasonable effort will be made to assist you for any problems or
difficulties you may encounter with any aspect of this course. I will never be offended by your questions
or comments about papers, class schedule, reading materials, class discussions, grading, study habits
and so on. For brief consultations, you can see me after class. Emails are the most efficient means by
which we can communicate outside the classroom. It is strongly advised that you get an
acknowledgement that I have received your email. Save a copy of my email acknowledgement for your
reference. Every student is required to have a public email (I will not send blind carbon copy to anyone).
While I send class updates and class assignments though email from time to time, this is only as a form
of courtesy. This is not an online course. All announcements and assignments should be given in class.
Affirmation of Inclusion
Bellevue College is committed to maintaining an environment in which every member of the campus
community feels welcome to participate in the life of the college, free from harassment and
discrimination.
We value our different backgrounds at Bellevue College, and students, faculty, staff members, and
administrators are to treat one another with dignity and respect.
http://bellevuecollege.edu/about/goals/inclusion.asp
Student Code
“Cheating, stealing and plagiarizing (using the ideas or words of another as one’s own without crediting
the source) and inappropriate/disruptive classroom behavior are violations of the Student Code of
Conduct at Bellevue College. Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to: talking
out of turn, arriving late or leaving early without a valid reason, allowing cell phones/pagers to ring, and
inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates. The instructor can refer any violation of the
Student Code of Conduct to the Vice President of Student Services for possible probation or suspension
from Bellevue College. Specific student rights, responsibilities and appeal procedures are listed in the
Student Code of Conduct, available in the office of the Vice President of Student Services.” The Student
Code, Policy 2050, in its entirety is located at:
http://bellevuecollege.edu/policies/2/2050_Student_Code.asp
Important Links
Bellevue College E-mail and access to MyBC
All students registered for classes at Bellevue College are entitled to a network and e-mail account. Your student
network account can be used to access your student e-mail, log in to computers in labs and classrooms, connect to
the BC wireless network and log in to MyBC. To create your account, go to: https://bellevuecollege.edu/sam .
BC offers a wide variety of computer and learning labs to enhance learning and student success. Find current
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campus locations for all student labs by visiting the Computing Services website.
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The Disability Resource Center serves students with a wide array of learning challenges and disabilities.
If you are a student who has a disability or learning challenge for which you have documentation or have
seen someone for treatment and if you feel you may need accommodations in order to be successful in
college, please contact us as soon as possible.
If you are a person who requires assistance in case of an emergency situation, such as a fire,
earthquake, etc, please meet with your individual instructors to develop a safety plan within the first week
of the quarter.
The DRC office is located in B 132 or you can call our reception desk at 425.564.2498. Deaf students
can reach us by video phone at 425-440-2025 or by TTY at 425-564-4110. Please visit our website for
application information into our program and other helpful links at www.bellevuecollege.edu/drc
Public Safety
The Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department’s well trained and courteous non-commissioned
staff provides personal safety, security, crime prevention, preliminary investigations, and other services
to the campus community, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Their phone number is 425.564.2400.
The Public Safety website is your one-stop resource for campus emergency preparedness information,
campus closure announcements and critical information in the event of an emergency. Public Safety is
located in K100 and on the web at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/publicsafety/
Final Exam Schedule
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Academic Calendar
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Enrollment Calendar - http://bellevuecollege.edu/enrollment/calendar/deadlines/.
College Calendar - http://bellevuecollege.edu/enrollment/calendar/holidays/0910.asp.
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS (This schedule is for planning
purposes only. It may be changed by the instructor depending upon the students’ interests, the ability of
the class to absorb the materials, and the composition of the class.)
Part I: INTRODUCTION.
What is Philosophy? (week 1)
A Definition of Philosophy.
What is Rationality?
Part II: ETHICS.
Introduction
How Should One Live? (week 2 to 4)
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The Buddha and the Middle Way. Buddha: The Four Noble Truths.
Walpola Rahula: The Fourth Noble Truth.
Aristotle on Happiness and the Life of Moderation. Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics.
Socrates on Living the Examined Life. Plato: The Apology.
The Song of God. Bhagavad-Gita.
How Can I Know What Is Right? (week 5 to 8)
Introduction
The Categorical Imperative. Immanuel Kant: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
Utilitarianism. John Stuart Mill: What Utilitarianism Is.
An Ethic of Care. Nel Noddings: Caring.
Moral Relativism. David Wong: Relativism.
Part III: METAPHYSICS.
What Is Really Real? (week 9)
Introduction
The Dao. Laozi: Dao De Jing.
Platonic Dualism. Plato: The Republic.
Are We Free or Determined? (week 10)
Introduction
We Are Determined. Robert Blatchford: Not Guilty.
We Are Free. Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism.
Karma and Freedom. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Karma and Freedom.
Are Religious Claims True? (week 11)
Introduction
Arguments for God’s Existence: Anselm of Canterbury: The Ontological Argument
St Thomas Aquinas: The Five Ways.
*Important Dates*
October 14 – Submission of your first paper
October 21 – First Long Exam
November 11 - Holiday
November 18 – Second Long Exam
November 20 – Submission of your second paper
November 27 – No Class Thanksgiving Day
December 9 – Final Exams
December 11 – End of the Quarter
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