Philosophy 102A: Knowledge and Reality Spring 2016 Section 40643 T 6:35-9:45 SB-212
Instructor Information Dr. Ian M. Duckles Course Description: This course is an introductory study of the aims, methods, types and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry. Emphasis is placed on the nature of reality and knowledge. Materials for this survey of philosophy may draw from classical and contemporary thinkers. Students are encouraged to articulate, analyze, and evaluate their own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry. This course is intended for anyone concerned with human existence and humanity's place in the universe. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU. CSU General Education. IGETC. UC Transfer Course List.
Schedule: (topics and important dates included): Homework will be due daily and assignments will be announced in class. Do not be concerned if we fall ahead or behind on this schedule. The most important goal is that everyone understand the concepts and problems. This schedule is subject to change. All changes will be announced in class and posted on the course website. Unless otherwise noted, all readings come from the above text. Week 1: Introduction Tuesday, January 26: Introduction, Plato, "The Defence of Socrates" (pp. 12-32). Week 2: Epistemology February 2: Rene Descartes, "Meditations on First Philosophy" (pp. 58-61); George Berkeley, "A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge" (pp. 61-68). Week 3: Epistemology February 9: David Hume, "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" (pp. 69-76); A.J. Ayer, "What is Knowledge?" (pp. 76-78); Edmund L. Gettier, "Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?" (pp. 78-79).
February 16: Uma Narayan, "The Project of Feminist Epistemology" (pp. 79-82); Christopher Gowens, "Buddhist Epistemology" (pp. 83-86). Week 5: Epistemology February 23: Watch Film in Class 12 Angry Men, Discuss Film. Week 6: Exam 1 March 1: Review for Exam; Exam 1 Week 7: Metaphysics - Mind and Body March 8: Descartes, "Meditations on First Philosophy" (pp. 88-93); Gilbert Ryle, "The Ghost in the Machine" (pp. 93-97); Paul M. Churchland, "The Mind-Body Problem" (pp. 97-107). Week 8: Metaphysics - Mind and Body March 15: Thomas Nagel, "What is it Like to Be a Bat?" (pp. 107-110); John Searle, "Do Computers Think?" (pp. 110-112); Barbara Montero, "The Body Problem" (pp. 112-116). Week 9: Metaphysics - The Self March 22: Joe Kuperman, "Hinduism and the Self" (pp. 116-122); Thomas P. Kasulis, "The Buddhist Conception of the Self" (pp. 122-127). Week 10: SPRING BREAK!! March 29: NO CLASS!! Week 11: Metaphysics April 5: Watch Film in Class, Discuss Film Week 12: Exam 2 April 12: Review for Exam; Exam 2 Week 13: Free Will April 19: Thomas Nagel, "Free Will" (pp. 131-136); W.T. Stace, "Free Will and Determinism" (pp. 136-138) Week 14: Free Will April 26: Steven M. Cahn "Freedom or Determinism" (pp. 138-146); Harry Frankfurt, "The Principle of Alternative Possibilities" (pp. 147-148); Select a topic for the essay. Week 15: God May 3: Anselm and Guanilo "The Ontological Argument" (pp. 150-153); Thomas Aquinas, "The Five Ways" (pp. 153-155); In-class peer-editing. Bring three copies of a draft of your paper to class. Week 16: The Problem of Evil May 10: Ernest Nagel, "Does God Exist?" (pp. 158-163); Richard Swinburne, "Why God Allows Evil" (pp. 163-172); Paper Due Week 17: Final May 17: Review for Final; Final Exam STUDENT EVALUATION:
Grade Scale: ≥ 90 = A ACADEMIC POLICIES: Attendance: During the first two weeks of class, students will be dropped for any absence. Starting during the third week, students may be dropped for missing two classes. In addition, students who arrive unreasonably late or leave unreasonably early will be marked absent. Professionalism: It is assumed that students will conduct themselves in a professional manner with a positive attitude. An open mind is one of the most important tools required for success in academia. If a student is negative and feels as is there is nothing of value to be gained by the college experience or this course, he or she will not do well in this course. Academic Integrity and Conduct: Mesa College students are bound by the Student Code of Conduct, Policy 3100. In this course, cheating, plagiarism, disruptions of instructional activity, fraud and/or lying will result in, at a minimum, a grade of “F” for the assignment/test with no make up permitted. Any of these infractions may result in an “F” for the course as well and formal disciplinary action by the Dean of Student Affairs as described in the code (as published in the catalog or online). Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities who may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to notify the instructor and DSPS. DSPS can be found at http://www.sdmesa.edu/dsps/ or they can be contacted by phone at 619-388-2780. Voting: If you are not registered to vote, please register online today: tinyurl.com/reg2voteonline. Please choose the vote-by-mail option.
|
Ian Duckles' Home Page > This is the page for students of Dr. Duckles > Philosophy 102A: Spring 2016 Tuesday >