Philosophy 100
Instructor: Dr. Roger Foster
Course Description
Listen to Roger Foster talk about the content of this course
This course will introduce you to some of the main themes, problems, and ideas in philosophy from a multi-cultural perspective. Our main goal will be to develop an understanding of the nature of philosophical thinking, and to begin to acquire the types of skills that philosophers use in reading texts, constructing arguments, and developing ideas. Given that most (if not all) students will have had no previous exposure to philosophy, this course will start from the very beginning. We will not only be reading and trying to understand philosophical writings from thinkers in many parts of the world; we will also be trying to develop a sense for the process and practice of philosophical thinking. In other words, a central purpose of the course will be for students to acquire the skills to read, think, and write like philosophers. Rather than simply reading and digesting the contributions of others to philosophical thinking, you will learn about the process of philosophical thinking (i.e. what motivates philosophical thinking? Where do philosophical ideas come from? How are philosophical arguments constructed?). We will also be concerned with the practice of philosophy (i.e. What makes a good argument? How does analysis help us achieve clear thinking? How can criticism be constructive, and therefore aid the learning process?).
The course will examine many different approaches to philosophy. You will learn that there are many different ways of doing philosophy, and that philosophy is not a possession of any particular culture, but has been a valuable and influential practice in many different cultures. In reading about these different approaches, students will begin to acquire the skills that are essential for effective philosophical thinking. As a result, you will find that not only will you become better philosophers, you will also become more sophisticated readers, better writers, skilled analysts and clear, concise communicators.
Required Text
| The Philosophical Journey: An Interactive Approach , Third Edition. William Lawhead, Editor (McGraw Hill, 2006). |  |
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Use of Technology
This course will be 100% asynchronous, meaning there will be no face to face meetings, and all interaction will take place in an online environment.
Student Learning Outcomes
1) Students will learn about some of the major approaches to philosophy and will acquire a familiarity with a number of philosophical sub-disciplines, such as metaphysics, epistemology, political philosophy, philosophy of religion, moral philosophy.
2) Students will acquire the facility to recognize and evaluate arguments; they will learn to discriminate between the mere disagreement with a position and well-founded criticism of a position; conversely, they will appreciate the distinction between the mere approval of a position and well-founded support.
3) Students will develop critical thinking skills, and will learn how to place the presuppositions of their own thinking in question.
4) Students will be able to see the manifold connections between philosophical concepts and their personal, lived experience, and also the disjunctions between these two elements.
5) Students will develop sound reading habits that will enable them to approach primary philosophical texts.
6) Students will gain an appreciation for philosophy as a tradition with a rich multicultural heritage and as a central platform for a community’s self-criticism and self-understanding.
Evaluation & Requirements of Students
- Weekly Quizzes 15%
- Blogs 15%
- Blackboard Discussion Board Exercises 15%
- Formal Paper 25%
- Mid-Term Exam 15%
- Final Exam 15%
Watch Roger Foster talk about the requirements for this course
Outline of Topics
| Week | Weekly Reading | Assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | ||
Week 1 Orientation and Introduction |
Reading: pp. 15-37 | Quiz 1 Discussion Board Exercise 1 |
| Epistemology | ||
Week 2 Skepticism and Rationalism |
Reading: pp. 58-88 | Quiz 2 Discussion Board Exercise 2 |
Week 3 Empiricism and Kant |
Reading: pp. 88-133 | Quiz 3
Discussion Board Exercise 3 |
Week 4 Pragmatism and Feminist Epistemology |
Reading: pp. 153-180 | Quiz 4
Discussion Board Exercise 4 |
| Metaphysics | ||
Week 5 Dualism and Physicalism |
Reading: pp. 190-231 | Quiz 5 Discussion Board Exercise 5 |
Week 6 Functionalism and Artificial Intelligence |
Reading: pp. 231-249 | Quiz 6
Discussion Board Exercise 6 |
Week 7 Mid-Term Exam
|
Mid-Term Exam | |
| Philosophy of Religion | ||
Week 8 Cosmological and Design Arguments |
Reading pp. 305-337 | Quiz 7
Discussion Board Exercise 7 |
Week 9 The Problem of Evil, and Asian Religions |
Reading pp. 356-399 | Quiz 8
Discussion Board Exercise8 |
| Political Philosophy | ||
Week 10 The Justification of Government |
Reading pp. 541-564 | Quiz 9 Discussion Board Exercise 9 |
Week 11 The Individual and the State |
Reading pp. 587-610 | Quiz 10 Formal Paper Due! |
Week 12 Civil Disobedience |
Reading pp. 610-625 | Quiz 11 Discussion Board Exercise 10 |
Week 13 Philosophy and the Meaning of Life |
Reading pp. 634-657 | Quiz 12 Discussion Board Exercise 11 |
Week 14 Final Exam |
Discussion Board Exercise 12 Final Exam |
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