INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY SYLLABUS



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1833 W. Southern Avenue

Mesa, AZ 85202

480-461-7000

PHI 101 – INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY – FALL 2017

DR. DEBRA CAMPBELL

MWF 11:00 – 11:50 AM

In-Person Lecture Format

S&D Campus, Room: BP 1N

I. INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY. 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the nature of philosophical problems and to the ideas of central figures in the history of Western philosophy. This introductory philosophy course will emphasize philosophy as a process of reflecting on and critically evaluating one’s fundamental beliefs, values, and attitudes. Important ideas and central philosophical issues will be discussed and dialogue encouraged as a means of clarifying values and personal views.

|MCCCD Official Course Competencies |

|1. Identify and compare the various types of logical arguments. (I)  |

|2. Describe and compare major philosophical views of reality. (II)  |

|3. Describe and compare the rationalist and empiricist theories of knowledge. (III)  |

|4. Describe and critically analyze the major arguments for the existence of God. (IV)  |

|5. Describe the problem of evil, religious explanations for the existence of evil, and critical responses. (IV)  |

|6. Describe one major value theory. (V) |

II. CLASS DAY(S), TIME, AND LOCATION

MWF 11:00 - 11:50, Aug. 21 – Dec. 11, 2017, BP1N

III. INSTRUCTOR

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Debra Campbell Office: BP14

Office hours: MWF 12:00 -1:00 TTH 9:30 -10:30

Phone: 461-7615 E-mail: debra.campbell@mesacc.edu

Email will be responded to promptly between the hours of

8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday.

IV. TEXT AND MATERIALS

The required book in this course is Philosophy: A Text with Readings, (Thirteenth Edition), by Manuel Velasquez, Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2017.

V. COURSE OBJECTIVES (general)

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

Identify and examine specific solutions offered by the central figures in Western philosophy to perennial questions of human existence, such as questions about the existence of God, the nature of knowledge, and the foundations of morality.

Examine and recognize the distinctive character of philosophical problems and controversies.

Display critical skills in the logical clarification of words and concepts, and in the analysis of assumptions and arguments.

Evaluate philosophical arguments on opposing sides of an issue.

VI. ASSSIGNMENTS AND GRADING

EXAMS: The instructor will maintain a continuous record of each student’s progress. Three in-class exams (worth 25 points each) will be given. The exams will consist of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.

HOMEWORK: For most class periods there will be “homework” in the form of writing answers to questions (listed on the syllabus) about the readings. The total points possible for homework is 25 points. These answers are not graded, but they must be ready at the beginning of the class period for which they are assigned in order to receive points. Your answers should constitute a good faith effort to answer the questions in order to receive credit. One-word answers will usually not receive credit. As I take attendance each day students will turn in their written answers to me. I will redistribute the answers randomly around the class before we begin the discussion. As we engage in the discussion, I will ask for volunteers (or call on people) to read answers from the sheets that have been randomly distributed. At the end of class, the homework will be returned to each student. It is recommended that students use these homework answers for studying for the exams.

PARTICIPATION POINTS (OPTIONAL): Up to 10 additional points may be awarded to students, solely at the discretion of the instructor, based on the student’s overall preparedness and contributions to daily discussion. Those will be awarded at the end of the semester as a way to reward students who clearly demonstrate that they have done the readings, attended to the homework, and come to class ready to participate each day. To recap:

Value of exams and assignments:

1st Exam 25 pts.

2nd Exam 25 pts.

3rd Exam 25 pts.

Homework 25 pts.

(Optional points) 10 pts.

Total points 110 (possible)

Grading Scale (approximate)

110. A

89. B

79. C

69. D

Below 60 F

VII. CALENDAR OF ASSIGNMENTS

Due Dates Readings (Page numbers) and Homework Assignments

8/21 INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASS - Overview

8/23 INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASS – Syllabus

8/25 1.1 What is Philosophy? (4-10) Please write out an example of when you have used “critical thinking.” How did that help?

8/28 1.2 The Traditional Divisions of Philosophy (11-18)

Give an example of a philosophical question from each of the three major areas of philosophy.

8/30 1.3 A Philosopher in Action: Socrates (19-35)

Answer questions 1 and 2 (35)

9/1 1.4 The Value of Philosophy (38-41)

Give your own example of a way that philosophy has or could add value to your life

9/4 LABOR DAY – NO CLASS

9/6 Chapter Summary (41-43) 1.6 Historical Showcase (45-49)

Handout entitled “ARGUMENTS”

Exercises (Induction vs. Deduction)

9/8 Handout entitled “INDUCTIVE ARGUMENTS”

Exercises (Induction: Strength and Cogency)

Handout entitled “DEDUCTIVE ARGUMENTS”

Exercises (Deduction: Validity and Soundness)

9/11 3.1 What is Real? (152-155) Give an example of a “metaphysical question.” Does your question have an answer?

9/13 3.2 Reality: Material or Non-Material (155-163)

Answer the questions: What is Materialism? What is the major objection to this view of reality?

9/15 3.2 (Cont’d.) Idealism: Reality as Non-Matter (163-178)

Answer the questions: What is Idealism? What are the major objections to this view of reality?

9/18 Chapter Summary (226-228) 3.10 Historical Showcase – Hobbes and Berkeley (240-248)

Prepare for an in-class debate on Materialism vs. Idealism

9/20 In-class debate on Materialism vs. Idealism

9/22 4.1 The Significance of Religion (252-255) Does religion play a significant role in your life. If so, give an example of that. If not, why not?

9/25 4.2 Does God Exist? The Ontological Argument (255-260) Write out the premises and conclusion of the Ontological Argument. What is a major objection to this argument?

9/27 4.2 (Cont’d.) The Cosmological Argument (260-266) Write out the premises and conclusion of the Cosmological Argument. What is a major objection to this argument?

9/29 4.2 (Cont’d.) The Design Argument (266-275)

Write out the premises and conclusion of William Paley’s version of the Design Argument. What are the major objections to this argument?

10/2 4.3 Atheism, Agnosticism, and the Problem of Evil (275-290)

Write out what you think is the “Problem of Evil.” What are some of the theistic responses to the Problem of Evil? Why does Freud think people believe in God? Why does Kant think people believe in God?

10/4 Chapter Summary (314-315) Review for Exam #1

Review Induction vs. Deduction and Materialism vs. Idealism

10/6 Review for Exam #1

In-class Debate on the Arguments for God’s Existence

10/9 Exam #1

10/11 5.1 Why is Knowledge a Problem? (338-343) Write out an

example of a time when things turned out to be entirely

different from what you first thought

10/13 5.2 Is Reason the Source of our Knowledge? (343-358)

What is Rationalism as formulated by Rene Descartes? What is problematic about this theory of knowledge?

10/16 5.3 Can the Senses Account for All Our Knowledge? (359-366) What is Locke’s view of the source of knowledge? What is a problem with this view?

10/18 5.3 (Cont’d.) Berkeley and Subjectivism (366-370)

What is Berkeley’s view of the source of knowledge? What is a problem with this view?

10/20 5.3 (Cont’d.) Hume and Skepticism (370-383) Explain Hume’s skepticism including his views about the nature of causality and if we can know that an external world exists.

10/23 5.7 Historical Showcase (419-425) Answer questions:

1, 3 & 4

10/25 5.4 Kant: Does the Knowing Mind Shape the World?

(383-396) Does Kant’s theory of knowledge overcome Hume’s skepticism? How does Kant explain causality?

10/27 6.6 Historical Showcase (477-485) Answer questions 4 & 5

10/30 Chapter Summary (409-411) Review for Exam #2

In-class Debate on Rationalism vs. Empiricism

11/1 Exam #2

11/3 7.1 What is Ethics? (488-490) Give an example of a time when you believe that you acted “morally.”

11/6 7.2 Is Ethics Relative? (490-496) What are the problems with behaving as an “ethical relativist?”

11/8 7.3 Do Consequences Make an Action Right? (497-507) What is Ethical Egoism? What is Utilitarianism? What are some potential problems with that theory? What is the difference between Act Utilitarianism (Bentham’s version) and Rule Utilitarianism (Mill’s version)? Does Rule Utilitarianism (Mill’s version) solve the problems with Utilitarian moral theory?

11/10 VETERAN’S DAY – NO CLASS

11/13 7.4 Do Rules Define Morality? (510-519)

What is Divine Command Theory? What are some problems with that moral theory?

11/15 7.4 (Cont’d.) Kant’s Categorical Imperative (519-527)

What is the Categorical Imperative? What are two different formulations of Kant’s Categorical Imperative?

What is a problem with Kant’s moral theory?

11/17 7.4 (Cont’d.) Buddhist Ethics (528-532) What are the four noble truths and how can they lead to “correct understanding?”

11/20 7.5 Is Ethics Based on Character? (533-543) How would you describe acting virtuously according to Aristotle? What role do love and friendship play in a “good life?”

11/22 Chapter Summary (562-563) In-class Debate on Utilitarianism vs. Kantian Ethics

11/24 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – NO CLASS

11/27 8.1 What is Social and Political Philosophy? (580-582)

What do you think is the role of government? Can you give an example of an appropriate task of government?

11/29 8.2 What Justifies the State and Its Power? (582-592)

What is an important difference between Hobbes and Locke regarding their justifications for the state?

12/1 8.2 (Cont’d.) Contemporary Social Contract: Rawls (592-594) How does John Rawls try to improve Social Contract Theory?

12/4 8.2 (Cont’d.) The Communitarian Critique (594-599) How would you state the communitarian criticism of social contract theory?

12/6 Review for Exam#3

Review Theories of Morality

12/8 Review for Exam#3

Review Theories of Social and Political Philosophy

12/11 Final Exam 11:00-12:50

VIII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

5. Content policy: Philosophy deals with controversial adult material including human sexuality, the existence of God, principles of justice, etc. Students must be prepared to engage all material as presented/assigned. Alternative assignments, readings, lectures, etc. will not be provided.

6. Syllabus policy: Students are required to read the syllabus. Due to the nature of the course, it is impossible to exactly link topics with specific dates, thus the above calendar is an approximation. The instructor will make every attempt to stick as closely as possible to the syllabus and will clarify assignments at the beginning and end of each class meeting.

7. Attendance policy: Students must attend classes regularly. The instructor reserves the right to withdraw a student and assign a grade of “W” after three unexcused absences. Attendance will be taken daily. You must be here and you must be on time because this is the only way real learning will occur. If you come to class after attendance has been taken, you will be considered tardy.  Two tardies will count as one absence.  

Excused Absences

“Excused” absences, according to MCC’s policies include ONLY those due to college sanctioned events or religious observances.  Long term medical leave (with documentation) will be excused at the instructor’s discretion. Jury duty or subpoenas will be excused with documentation.  

Attendance Withdrawal Policy

If you stop attending this class after the 45th day of the semester, your instructor may award a grade of W, Y, or F depending on your status in the class up until the day you stopped attending.  Please discuss any desires to withdraw from the class with your instructor so together you can decide on the best course of action.

8. Cell phone policy: You may have your cell phones and laptops in the classroom, but they are to be used for instructional purposes only. Cell phones should be set to silent and put away or placed on the desk face down so that no one in the class is disturbed by notifications. There may be occasions when I will allow students to use their smartphones to look things up during classroom discussion, but otherwise cell phones are not to be used during class for any other reason. No texting, no checking for updates. I can see when students try to text under the tables. I will call you on it (pun intended). Similarly, laptops are to be used only for work directly related to learning in our class and only with my express permission.

9. Academic Integrity: Besides academic performance, students should exhibit the qualities of honesty and integrity. Any form of dishonesty, cheating, fabrication, the facilitation of academic dishonesty, or plagiarism may result in disciplinary action. Please refer to the MCC Student Handbook (available on-line) for information regarding institutional policy and due process procedures.

10. Academic Support:

Learning Enhancement Center

Many students find that college coursework provides new academic challenges.   Students who wish to deepen their understanding of course concepts, extend their skills, and improve their performance in their course(s) are encouraged to use the free tutoring and other support services in the Learning Enhancement Center.  Tutoring is available at 10 campus locations (including two at Red Mountain). Visit or call the LEC office to learn how they can help you. It is located on the 1st floor of the Elsner Library. 

Phone: 480.461.7678    Red Mountain: 480.654.7735

Web: mesacc.edu/tutoring

Writing Center

The Writing Center provides one-on-one appointments to help students during any phase of the writing process: brainstorming, prewriting, researching, drafting, and revising. The Writing Center is located on the 1st floor of the Elsner Library.  Phone: 480.461.7513.

Web:

*Note: use the tutoring information that is relevant to your course/campus.

Disability Services

Information for Students with Accommodation Needs:  If you have a documented disability (as protected by the Americans with Disability Act) or if you are pregnant or parenting (as protected under Title IX) and would like to discuss possible accommodations, please contact the MCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office at 480-461-7447 or email drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu.

Access to Course Materials

If you are experiencing difficulty accessing course materials because of a disability please contact your instructor.  All students should have equal access to course materials and technology.

Please request your accommodations through the MCC Disabilities Resources and Services Office at 480-461-7447 or email drsfrontdesk@mesacc.edu.

Early Alert (EARS)

Mesa Community College is committed to the success of all our students.  MCC has adopted an Early Alert Referral System (EARS) to aid students in their educational pursuits.  Faculty and Staff participate by referring students to campus services for added support.  Students may receive a follow up call from various campus services as a result of being referred to EARS.  Students are encouraged to participate, but these services are optional.

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11. Statement of Student Responsibilities:

It is your responsibility to understand the policies listed in this syllabus as these are the guidelines that your instructor will follow for grading, attendance, etc.  It is also your responsibility to read and understand the college policies included in the student handbook as they may apply to you in the case of an incomplete grade, withdraw for failure to attend, etc. MCC Student Handbook

12. Student Email:

You will need a student email account so that your instructor can communicate with you regarding course work and performance in this class.  This is available to all MCC students at no charge. Contact your instructor through your Maricopa email or through Canvas.  Emails from accounts other than Maricopa (Yahoo, msn, Hotmail) will go into spam and will delete immediately.

Setting Up Your Maricopa Email

13. Tuition Charges and Refund Policy:

Students who officially withdraw from credit classes (in fall, spring, or summer) within the withdrawal deadlines listed below will receive a 100% refund for tuition, class and registration processing fees. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or a college holiday will advance to the next college workday except for classes fewer than 10 calendar days in length or as specified by the college. Calendar days include weekdays and weekends. Refer to individual colleges for withdrawal and refund processes. Never attending is not an allowable refund exemption or an excuse of the debt incurred through registration.

|Length of Class |Official Withdrawal Deadlines for 100% Refund |

|1-9 calendar days |Prior to the class start date |

|10-19 calendar days |1 calendar day including the class start date |

|20-29 calendar days |2 calendar days including the class start date |

|30-39 calendar days |3 calendar days including the class start date |

|40-49 calendar days |4 calendar days including the class start date |

|50-59 calendar days |5 calendar days including the class start date |

|60-69 calendar days |6 calendar days including the class start date |

|70+ calendar days |7 calendar days including the class start date |

*Course fees and registration processing fees will be refunded only if the student qualifies for a 100% refund. Debts owed to any MCCCD college must be satisfied before any refunds are paid to the student. Refunds for students receiving federal financial assistance are subject to federal guidelines. Requests for exceptions to the refund policy must be filed within one year from the semester in which the course was taken.

Students are responsible for all information contained in this course syllabus.

Students will be notified by the instructor of any changes in the course requirements or policies.

PHI101 SYLLABUS AND COURSE POLICIES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT

Please initial your acknowledgement of the following statements, then print and sign your name at the bottom of this agreement. Turn this form in to your instructor on the second class meeting.

_____ I understand that I need access to appropriate technologies for this course, including a computer, printer, internet.  I understand how to access Canvas (learning management system) and it is my responsibility to check Canvas on a regular basis.

_____ I understand the attendance policy for this course, and I am aware of what constitutes “excused” absences under MCC policy.

_____ I understand that this class meets X times per week and I am expected to be in class for the full time.

_____ I understand the policy for late work and make-up tests.

_____ I acknowledge the consequences for academic misconduct and/or dishonesty in this course.

_____ I understand that I will be expected to be a contributing and participating member of class each day and that I must show all work when completing my assignments.

_____ I understand the policies regarding cell phone (or other device) usage in class.

By signing below, I agree that:

I am a dedicated learner and will take responsibility for my success in this course.

I will spend an average of X hours per week outside of class completing my assignments and reviewing the course material.

I will come to class prepared and treat my instructor and classmates with respect.

I have received a syllabus and agree to abide by the course policies set forth.

Student Signature:__________________________________   Date:________________________

Student Name (print)_______________________________  Contact #_____________________

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