Philosophy 102B: Introduction to Philosophy: Values

Summer 2017

CRN 51133 TR 1:00-4:10 Location: SB-212

Instructor Information  

Dr. Ian M. Duckles
Email: iduckles@sdccd.edu
Office: SB 311-H
Phone: 619-388-2294

Course Description: This course provides an introductory study of the aims, methods, types and problems of philosophy focusing on values and their place in an individual's daily life. Materials for this survey may be drawn from classical and contemporary thinkers. Students are encouraged to articulate, analyze, and evaluate their own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry regarding value theory. This course is for anyone interested in the origin and justification of values and their application to everyday life. Associate Degree Credit & transfer to CSU. CSU General Education. IGETC. UC Transfer Course List. 

Course Objective: This course will introduce you to some of the major ethical theories and apply these theories to a host of contemporary problems.

Course Learning Outcomes: Students who complete PHIL 102B will be able to:

1. Critical Thinking: Think critically in reading, writing, and/or speaking about the aims, methods, types, and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry at an introductory level, with a focus on values and their place in an individual’s life, thereby identifying problems, theses, arguments, evidence and conclusions;
2. Communication: Write or speak about the aims, methods, types, and problems of philosophy and philosophical inquiry at an introductory level, with a focus on values and their place in an individual’s life, thereby addressing problems, formulating theses, making arguments, analyzing and weighing evidence, and deriving conclusions;
3. Self-awareness and Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrate an ability to analyze one’s own beliefs/positions in the context of meaningful philosophical inquiry regarding value theory;
4. Global Awareness: Articulate similarities and contrasts among cultures, times, and environments, demonstrating an understanding of cultural pluralism.

Textbooks: There is one text required for this class:

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. Students should check the course website (this one) regularly. All readings come from Exploring Ethics.

Assignments: Your grade in the course will be based on your performance on the following assignments:

• 20% Exam 1
• 20% Exam 2
• 20% Final Exam
• 10% Final Paper and Pre-Writing: More information on this assignment will be provided later.
• 10% Homework and In-Class Exercises: These are due at the start of the class for which it is assigned. Late assignments will not be accepted.
• 20% Pop Quizzes: These will be given at the start of class and will cover the previous classes material. They cannot be made-up if missed, but I will drop the lowest quiz score.

Grade Scale:

    ≥ 90 = A
    ≥ 80 = B
    ≥ 70 = C
    ≥ 60 = D
    < 60 = F