Humanities 101



Philosophy 101

Introduction to Philosophy

Spring 2016

Carson Campus: CED 325

Tuesday 1 – 3:45

Professor: Tami LeHouillier, MFA, MA

Office Hours: By Appointment

Email: tami.lehouillier@wnc.edu

Course Description

PHIL 101 studies basic problems in different areas of philosophy such as ethics, political theory, metaphysics, and epistemology.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Understand the general areas in which philosophy is divided.

• Understand the ideas of the major philosophies from the classical era to the contemporary era.

• Compare and contrast the philosophies of different philosophers.

• Critically analyze the ideas of philosophers.

Required Text:

The Philosopher’s Way, Fourth Edition, by John Chaffee

Transfer Information:

This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.

Students With Disabilities

Western Nevada College supports providing equal access for students with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate format upon request. Susan Trist (DSS Coordinator) is available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that students may require. Please contact Susan Trist (775-445-4459 or susan.trist@wnc.edu).

Course Requirements

Attendance

Regular attendance is an important part of the course and attendance will be taken at each class session. Students are expected to participate in class discussions.

Exams

Three equally-weighted, non-comprehensive short-answer or essay exams.

Grading

Midterm Exams (2) – 500 points (250 points per)

Final Exam – 250 points

Attendance/Class Participation – 250 points

Points will be given for all requirements listed above for a total of 1000 points. At the end of the semester, each student will be assigned a grade based on the following scale:

925 - 1000 A

900 - 924 A-

851 - 899 B+

825 - 850 B

800 - 824 B-

751 - 799 C+

725 - 750 C

700 – 724 C-

651 - 699 D+

625 - 650 D

600 - 624 D-

Below 690 F

Class Policies

Absences

Attendance is mandatory. Students with legitimate reasons for missing class should notify the instructor as soon as possible prior to class to make alternative arrangements.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Cheating on an exam will result in a test score of zero. Plagiarism on a paper will result in a score of zero. Ignorance is not an excuse.

Incompletes and Withdrawals

Please refer to the course catalog for deadlines.

Make-Up Exams

Arrangements to make up excused absences from exams should be made in advance when possible. Otherwise students should contact the instructor as soon as possible to explain why the exam was missed and to arrange a make-up. Make-ups will not be given for inadequate preparation.

Class Courtesy

Please be to class on time. Let me know if you need to leave early. Cell phones are to be put away at all times during class. Please don’t eat or chew gum in class.

Schedule (Subject to Change)

Readings should be completed prior to lecture

Week 1 – Jan 26

Introductions; Course policies and expectations

Week 2 – Feb 2

Chap 1: Focus—1.3 Thinking Philosophically;

1.4 Understanding Arguments, 21-30;

Graph on p 31: Major Branches of Philosophy

Critical Thinking handout

Week 3 – Feb 9

NO CLASS Work on handout

Week 4 – Feb 16

Chap 2: Focus—2.2 Socratic Method, 61-68;

Handout: Socratic Circle

Discuss Question for Socratic Circle

Week 5 – Feb 23

Socratic Circle Continued

Discuss Exam Essay, p 160

Week 6 – Mar 1

Chap 3, Part 1: Focus—3.1

Chariot Analogy p 108-109;

Through Kant p 126

Chap 3, Part 2: 126- end

Week 7 – Mar 8

Exam 1: Chapters 1-3

Week 8 – Mar 15

Chap 4: Focus—4.1, p 172-176;

4.2 Determinism, 176-178;

4.3 Compatibilism, 185;

Stace, 185-189;

4.4 Indeterminism and Libertarianism, 193;

Sartre; Feminism

Week 9 – Mar 22

SPRING BREAK

Week 10 – Mar 29

Chap 5: Focus – 5.1Metaphysics, 228-230;

5.2 Plato, 239 –

Cave Allegory, 245-249;

5.3 Aristotle, 249-255

Week 11 – Apr 5

Chap 10: Focus – 10.1;

10.2;

10.3, Hobbes vs Locke;

Rawls, 584-586;

Marx, 587-596;

Week 12 – Apr 12

Exam 2: Chapters 4, 5, 10

Week 13 – Apr 19

Chap 8: Focus – 8.1

8.2 Ethical Relativism, 435-445;

8.3 Absolutism, 446-454;

Week 14 – Apr 26

Chap 9: Focus – 9.2, Virtues, 482-492;

9.3, Maxims, 493-506;

9.4, Consequences, 506-524;

Nietzsche, 530-534

Week 15 – May 3

Topics in Ethics

Week 16 – May 10

Review

Week 17 – May 17

Final Exam, Chapters 7-9

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