PHIL 0006. Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
Introduction to the method and primary problems of philosophy including argumentation, conceptual analysis, analysis and evaluation of fundamental assumptions and principles of various philosophical systems and philosophical interpretation of primary texts on topics from epistemology and metaphysics. (C-ID PHIL 100) (CSU, UC)
PHIL 0006 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phil-0006/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: Introduction to the method and primary problems of philosophy including argumentation, conceptual analysis, analysis and evaluation of fundamental assumptions and principles of various philosophical systems and philosophical interpretation of primary texts on topics from epistemology and metaphysics. (C-ID PHIL 100) (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Define and explain concepts in epistemology and metaphysics found in primary philosophical texts. Critically evaluate theories in epistemology and/or metaphysics for their strengths and weaknesses. Compare and contrast major epistemological and/or metaphysical theories. Communicate effectively orally or in writing on a major epistemological and/or metaphysical problem in philosophy. Course Content Outline I. Freedom and Determinism A. Hard Determinism B. Soft Determinism C. Indeterminism II. Logic and Knowledge A. The Nature of Knowledge and Justification, i.e., the Defining Features, Substantive Conditions, and Limits of Knowledge and Justification B. Epistemological Positions such as Skepticism, Empiricism, Rationalism, Idealism and Phenomenalism C. Tests of Truth: The Correspondence, Coherence, Pragmatic, and Social-Construction Theories of Truth D. The Relationship Between Language and Knowledge Production E. Metaphysics: The Nature, Constitution and Structure of Reality; Realism Versus Anti-Realism, Materialism, Idealism, Dualism and Metaphysical Naturalism F. Epistemological Access to Reality: Parallels between Metaphysical Assertions and Epistemological Justification of these Assertions, and the very Possibility of Metaphysics G. The Relationship Between Gender/Culture and Epistemology H. The Mind/Body Problem: Eliminative Materialism, Immaterialism and Dualism III. Philosophy and Religion A. The Relationship Between Faith and Reason B. Knowledge of God C. The Relationship Between Morality and Religion IV. Moral Knowledge Course Objectives Course Objectives 1. Describe and critically evaluate major philosophical positions concerning the nature of knowledge and justification; 2. Compare and contrast major philosophical positions concerning the nature of knowledge; 3. Describe major positions concerning conceptions of, and tests for, truth; 4. Compare and contrast differing conceptions of, and tests for, truth; 5. Describe and major philosophical positions concerning the nature of reality. 6. Compare and contrast major philosophical positions concerning the nature of reality; 8. Describe the relationship between metaphysical assumptions and theories of knowledge; 9. Analyze and define concepts as used in primary texts in philosophy; 10. Explain the mind/body problem and describe and evaluate various solutions to the problem 11. Explain the problem of free will versus determinism, and describe and evaluate various solutions to the problem; 12. Explain problems associated with knowing God, and describe and evaluate various arguments for God's existence; 13. Explain and critically evaluate the relationship between faith and reason, and morality and religion. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Read Galen Strawson's article, "The Impossibility of Moral Responsibility" and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read "Meditations on First Philosophy," by Rene Descartes and be prepared to discuss in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Formal Paper: write a 3 page minimum essay answering all parts of the question prompt that is typed, double-spaced, size 12 font paper. Formal Paper Prompt: Based upon Galen Strawson's article, "The Impossibility of Moral Responsibility," (a) describe Strawson’s Basic Argument for what it is to be truly morally responsible, and (b) explain why he concludes that 'true moral responsibility' is impossible whether determinism is true or false. 2. Short Answer Questions for Essay Exam 1: write a Blue-Book (large) short essay minimum of 3 pages answering all parts of the following question prompt. Short Essay Prompt: Based upon Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy (a) Why doesn’t Descartes simply determine what's real by looking around him and use his sense experience? (b) Is the point in Descartes' Meditations to convince us to think that we are actually living in a Matrix-like scenario? Justify your answer and use Descartes' writing to support your justification. 3. Formal Paper: write a 3 page minimum essay answering all parts of the question prompt that is typed, double-spaced, size 12 font paper. Formal Paper Prompt: Based upon William Clifford's, "The Ethics of Belief," and William James', "The Will to Believe," (a) explain why Clifford and James agree that it is paramount to believe truths and avoid falsehoods, yet (b) disagree about the moral worth of faith. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...PHIL 100 PHIL 0006 PHIL 110 PHIL 0004 PHIL 120 PHIL 0002 PHIL 130 PHIL...
Humanities
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/
...Roll PHIL 0002 Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics PHIL 0004 Introduction to Critical Thinking PHIL 0006...
