Introduction to Philosophy
Welcome to our Philosophy class! I am looking forward to a great semester with growth and learning for all of us.
Remember, my goal is to help you reach your goals!
Philosophy is a different course….
In philosophy we value questions more than answers. As a teacher, my job is to explore questions with you, not to give
answers to you. Here we learn how to think together about the profound mysteries we face in our everyday life, questions
to which there are no ultimate answers but the pursuit of which can give rich meaning to our lives. In this way, think of
philosophy as engaged, relentless questioning. In a sense, philosophy is a MINDSET to be shaped and polished over time.
Philosophy is a practical subject because it gives you to tools of questioning to use in life.
After all, every job require
some sort of independent thinking. But it goes beyond your profession. Thinking through moral choices in a relationship,
deciding how to act in a given situation, understanding and accepting your place in the world—all of these are thinking tasks
you will encounter and all of them are enhanced through philosophy. If you commit to this class, it will transform the way
you see yourself and the world and will prepare you for the next chapters in your life.
The good news is that you are already a philosopher! Whether you know it or not, your life is based on philosophical thinking.
When you select your friends, make decisions, choose your college and career-- all of these activities are based on a
personal philosophy, a particular way of looking at the world which is unique to you. Philosophy calls on you to expose your
own thinking patterns and question your beliefs, oftentimes inspiring you to think in new ways about them. Change is good
in philosophy; change is necessary. As your teacher, my responsibility is to create an atmosphere where you feel safe
embarking on this dynamic personal journey.
What you need more than anything else in philosophy is a persistent sense of wonder about the world around you.
Group discussion
Philosophy is about your ideas, not mine. I don’t plan to lecture you about the meaning of life. There will be times when I
will insert my perspective but for the most part we will explore ideas together through vigorous, energizing group
discussion-- which is the foundation of good philosophy. The problems we tackle have no easy answers since if answers
were easy, this class wouldn’t exist! Good discussions reveal thinking patterns and generate new ideas for exploration. If
you think you have things figured out, get ready to be challenged and be willing to bend your perspective based on other
students’ input.
Your Grade
Your grade will be made up of a number of factors. Your grade will be based on total points earned through tests, quizzes,
journaling, projects, and homework. Throughout the semester, you may be given the opportunity to complete an extra
credit assignment and/or earn extra credit points. You will need to meet the regular class expectations before extra
credit assignments may be attempted.
Homework
All homework should be complete and passed in on time in order to receive full credit. Incomplete homework assignments
will be returned ungraded for no credit. If you have any extenuating circumstances, an exception can be made with a
teacher conference, parent note, or a parent phone call. Any work handed in late will be marked down to half credit.
Absences
If you are absent the day a homework assignment, a project, or report is due, you have as many days as you were excused
by the office to turn in that assignment. For example, if the office excuses you for one day, you must pass the assignment
in the day you return. If the office excuses you for two days, you have two days to make up the work. If you were absent
the day of a test but you were in class for the review, you will be expected to take the test the day you return. Students
will not be allowed to make up work missed due to an unexcused absence or tardy.
Classroom Expectations
I will expect you to treat others with respect. We will have a great deal of time to debate, discuss, and disagree. While
I do not expect you to agree on all issues, I will expect you to respect and listen to others with opinions different from
your own.
I will expect that you will be prepared for class every day. Always bring a writing utensil, your folder for this class, and
your completed homework assignment.
I will expect that you will give me your best effort at all times. Raise your hand and participate when you have something
to contribute to the class. Always show me the best student you can be!
Note
I understand that during the semester certain circumstances will come up, and I will be happy to discuss any problems you
have before or after class, or before or after school.
Additional Teacher Contact
I am in the building before and after school for at least 45 minutes. If I am in the building, I am always available for your
parents to call or to talk to you!!! In addition, I am available via email at hayley.lotspeich@cusd200.org
I check my email
throughout the day and each evening at 9:00. If you need help with your homework, studying, or have any other questions;
I will get right back to you! You can also reach me at 784-7300, ext. 8465; I check my voice mail once each day.
Units
In order to learn and think and write like a philosopher, and to understand what an argument is, to develop philosophical
skills and to integrate effective decision making, we will study the following units:
What is reality and who is behind it all? (Metaphysics)
How do we know anything? (Epistemology)
How should I live my life? (Ethics)
Who am I? (Identity)