Saturday, August 25, 2012

General Information


An Introduction to Introduction of Philosophy- 046.01

"Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder." - St. Thomas Aquinas
"A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened." - Albert Camus

"To feel much for others and little for ourselves; to restrain our selfishness and exercise our benevolent affections, constitute the perfection of human nature." - Adam Smith

Description
This course is designed to introduce the student to the prominent figures and areas of inquiry found in the study of philosophy. The course
has two objectives for the student: (1) to provide the student with historical information that presents philosophy in a chronological manner, paying close attention to specific time periods and cultures; and (2) to provide the student with a broad foundation of knowledge that allows him to engage in some of the more fundamental questions found in philosophy. As a whole, the course will emphasize both critical and analytical thinking skills as well as provide ample opportunity for class discussions and debates. Woven throughout the entire course, from the section on Plato to contemporary issues in philosophy, will be the quest for the answer to the question, "What is Truth?"

Approach
This class will be managed like a college course. Lectures, readings, discussions, papers will all play a part in how we study each philosopher. If you do not complete the assigned readings each night, you will fail this course. If you do not enjoy writing, you will not enjoy this course. Your participation in discussions, performance on larger assessments, completion of projects, and execution on writing assignments will make up most of your grade.

Grading
Papers/Tests: 40%
Quizzes: 25%
Homework: 20%
Participation: 15%
Exemptions in effect for both Exams (based on policy in 2014-15 Student Handbook). 
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