Philosophy 228: Social and Political Philosophy
Philosophy 228: Social and Political Philosophy Office: Knorr House B8
Terrorism Hours: M-R noon - 12:30pm
Summer Session III 2005 or by appointment
Pacific Lutheran University 253/535 -- 8739
Dr. Pauline M. Kaurin email: kaurinpa @ plu.edu
Webpage: plu.edu/~kaurinpa/
Objectives of the Course:
1- To critically analyze, understand and evaluate a range of philosophical arguments on the central concerns of Social and Political Philosophy (the State, liberty, the role of religion, citizenship, revolution etc.) their contexts and implications in relation to the contemporary issue of terrorism.
2- To develop skills in philosophical argumentation and counter-argumentation, both in written and oral form.
3- To engage with philosophical texts, philosophers and members of the class in the philosophical process.
4- To construct and develop one's own philosophical view with a deeper understanding of both philosophical process and heritage.
5- To build on the skills development in the First Year Experience (writing, critical conversation and critical thinking) in the discipline of philosophy.
Why Philosophy?
Philosophy is more than a class to fill your GUR requirement: it's an adventure! Philosophy (in this case Social and Political Philosophy) concerns the most fundamental questions of the human experience: What sort of life should I live? What kind of State is best? What should be the role of the State in society? How much should an individual’s liberty be restricted for the common good? What rights do individuals have? Which persons are to be considered citizens – men, women, children, slaves, animals, aliens? When am I obliged to obey the State? Are there conditions under which I am justified in disobeying or even overthrowing the State? Under what circumstances is violence justified in pursuit of political aims? What political ideas are good, reasonable to hold? What is the origin of our political ideas?
In particular, we will be looking at the contemporary phenomenon of terrorism and the use of violence in the political realm, focusing on some of the following: What is the definition of terrorism? How does it differ from crime, warfare or revolution? What are the origins of terrorism? Is there a link between terrorism and injustice or oppression? What role has colonialism played in the development of contemporary terrorism? Is terrorism ever justified (to achieve justice or political aims when other means have failed)? What are proper responses to terrorism?
An analogy may be helpful: philosophy is a lot like climbing Mount Rainier. Together we will embark on a new odyssey. As we climb the mountain, I will be your guide and point out what I think are interesting sights and paths, show you some of the tools and tricks of mountain climbing that you will need, but at some point you will venture out on your own and report back to us what you found. This class is not designed to tell you what the answers to life are, but rather to help you figure out what questions you need to ask so that you can find your own answers. However, this does not need to be a lonely odyssey. We are all (yes, even the professor) exploring on our own, but it is an essential part of the philosophical process that we share our experiences and help one another with constructive criticism and ideas at every opportunity. When we are finished you will have learned skills that will be helpful in other pursuits, but more importantly you will be participating in a tradition that aspires to the best and highest in humanity.
Class Requirements:
Critical Reflection Papers: A 500 – 750 word (2-3 page) paper which is designed to engage the readings on your own and to work through the issues before (and in preparation for) class discussion, practicing the intellectual virtue of autonomy. These papers should follow the requirements laid out for all papers in the syllabus, the 4 Step Writing Process and the assignment sheet. They will be due at the beginning of class (9:00 am) on the following dates July 27, 29, (either) August 2 or 3, 5, 10 and (either) 16, 17 or 18. Please note that I do NOT accept late papers (for any reason) without prior consultation and permission.
Essay: An 8-10 page paper (using the 4 Step Writing Process) discussing and giving an assessment of one of the major theories or issues that we have discussed in class. (See the assignment sheet for more detailed information) First Draft due August 9 at the beginning of class; Final Draft due August 19 (final class day) at the beginning of class.
Peer Critique: A 2-3-page critique written assessing the arguments in the First Draft of another student’s Essay, to provide input during the final stages of writing. Due August 11.
Movie Paper: You will be required to write a 4-5 page (1200 - 1500 words) paper to be presented to the class between August 1 and 18 on one of the philosophical ideas or issues in one of the movies assigned. (See the specific assignment sheet for additional information.)
Class Attendance/Participation and Miscellaneous: You are expected to be in class on time and to come prepared to actively discuss the assigned readings and participate. More than 2 absences and/or consistent lack of preparation will result in a significantly lower grade. There may be small assignments, debates, guest lectures or small group work that also will contribute to this part of the grade. These will be graded on a +, (, or - scale. (It is therefore to your advantage not to miss class since these assignments will be announced in class and there are no make-ups.)
Grading:
CRP's (6] 20%
Essay/Presentation 40%
Peer Critique 10%
Movie Paper 10%
Class Attendance/Preparation 10%
Miscellaneous Activities 10%
Class Policies: (see also Class Expectations handout)
This is primarily a discussion class so it is crucial that you not only do the reading, but also come to class prepared with questions and comments and actively participate. Lateness (just like in the Real World) is not only disruptive to the discussion process, but also inhibits your participation. If you must come late (or leave early), be respectful of the class' time and space and take care that is does not become a habit. Be respectful of the class time and space by turning down/off cell phones, beepers etc and refraining from other activities - text messaging, emailing, knitting...
All papers should follow the guidelines that I have set out in the Essay Guidelines handout, (and conforming to the particular assignment) as well as being typed, double spaced and conforming to the appropriate citation style. I do not accept papers via mail, disk, fax, email or carrier pigeon.
I will accept NO late papers (either Critical Reflection Papers, Essays, Movie Paper, Peer Critiques) without prior permission and consultation. A late paper is defined as any paper than comes in more than 5 minutes after the due time (normally the beginning of class – 9:00 am)
If a situation arises that may effect your attendance and/or work, please consult with me as early as possible and I will be more than happy to work with you.
In the event that classes are cancelled (either due to inclement weather or my illness), call my extension for instructions. You are responsible for any assignments or directions I give you. Unless you hear from me otherwise, the schedule remains as is.
If you require special accommodations for disability of any kind, please discuss it with me and/or the appropriate university personnel.
Required Texts: (in reading order, more or less)
Plato: The Republic (Hackett) ISBN 0872201368
Aquinas: On Law, Morality and Politics (Hackett) ISBN 0872206637
Machiavelli: The Prince (Hackett) ISBN 0872203166
Locke: Second Treatise of Government (Hackett) ISBN 0915144867
Kant: Perpetual Peace (Hackett) ISBN 0872206912
Mill: On Liberty (Hackett) ISBN 0915144433
Nietzsche: On the Geneaology of Morals (Hackett) ISBN 0872202836
Frantz Fanon: Wretched of the Earth (Grove Press) ISBN 0802150837
Timothy Shananhan: Philosophy 9/11 (Open Court Press) ISBN 0812695828
Recommended Texts: (available in Mordveldt Library)
Jostein Gaarder: Sophie's World. (NY: Berkeley Books, 1994)
Frederick Copleston: A History of Philosophy. (This comes in several volumes arranged chronologically and generally available in the library)
(While there are various resources available online that might be helpful, please heed the following caveats (which also apply to non-online secondary sources):
1) Just because it is on the Internet (or in a text) does not mean that the content is accurate – check your sources and trust your critical capacities,
2) Any sources you might find are someone else’s interpretation of the text which you should never substitute for your own reading and interpretation since they might very well be WRONG, and
3) Relying on other sources will not help YOU develop your own reading, critical thinking and analysis skills (which you will need to successfully write your papers), nor will it tell you what your own perspective is (which you will also need to write your papers and participate in class.)
Class Schedule: (readings maybe subject to change, but I will consult the class)
July 25: Intro; What is Philosophy?; Terrorism: What is it? When is it justified?
July 26: Read Plato's Republic, Books I, II (skim to 373, read 373ff) and III
July 27: CRP #1 due; read Plato, Books IV, V and VI (to 504]
July 28: read Aristotle's Politics (handout]; 2 discussion questions
July 29: CRP #2 due; read Aquinas' On Law, Morality and Politics, p.11-83 (On Law); 220-247 (On War and Killing; On Sedition and Obedience]
August 1: Read Machiavelli's The Prince; Preparation as assigned for PLU Reality Show "The Prince"
August 2: CRP #3 due (your choice); read Hobbes' Leviathan (selections, handout)
August 3: CRP #3 due( your choice); read Locke's Second Treatise of Government
August 4: read Immanuel Kant's Perpetual Peace; 2 discussion questions
August 5: CRP # 4 due; read Chapter 1- 3 Mill's On Liberty
August 8: no class; reading and writing day
August 9: FIRST DRAFT OF ESSAY DUE; read Chapter 4 and 5 Mill's On Liberty
August 10: CRP #5 due: read Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morals First and Second Essays
August 11: Peer Critique due; read Nietzsche Second and Third Essays
August 12: Read Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth, Preface and Concerning Violence p.7-107; 2 discussion questions
August 15: Read Fanon, your choice of one or more of the remaining chapters and Conclusion
August 16: CRP #6 due (your choice); read Shanahan's Philosophy 9/11, your choice of two of Chapters 1-4
August 17: CRP #6 due (your choice); read Shanahan, your choice of two of Chapters 5-8; Preparation (as assigned) for Class Debate
August 18: CRP #6 due (your choice); read Shanahan, your choice of two of Chapters 9-14; Preparation for reporting and class discussion on your chapters
August 19: FINAL ESSAY DUE/Presentations; Evaluations
Suggestions for Critical Reading:
Reading this kind of material will typically take longer than you are used to spending for other classes. I guess that you do two readings. First, skim or read lightly in order to get the general gist and layout of things. Then, read carefully and critically for the arguments, claims and evidences and think about what your assessment of the author’s perspective is, making notes or processing the material as you go. If you follow this method, your reading will actually take less time, be more productive and you will also spend less time re-reading material to write your papers. Work smarter!!
When reading any material, some things to keep in mind---
1-- What is the thesis? What is the philosopher trying to argue for? Why?
2-- What evidence does the philosopher give for the thesis?
3--What is the structure/order of the argument? What significance does it have?
4--What kind of argument is the philosopher using? Any fallacies?
5-- Does the argument/thesis tally with reality or experience? Can you think of any counter-examples that would present a problem for the thesis?
6-- Do you buy the thesis/argument? Why or why not?
7-- Is the issue addressed an important one? Why or why not?
When reading, always write questions or comments in the margins. Be sure and constantly question what the philosopher is doing, how and why. Circle any references or terms that are unfamiliar or hard to understand and bring them up in class. Finally, remember the big picture.
NOTES AND REMINDERS:
SCHEDULE AND WORK LOAD: While all this may look overwhelming, there is typically a lot of reading and writing in any philosophy class. I have tried to arrange the schedule to have the most difficult material and highest reading/writing load at the beginning when you have more energy and fewer demands in other classes, which means the second half should be a bit easier in terms of those things. DO NOT sell yourself short, you can do this and I will be giving you all the help you need to succeed!
REAL LIFE: Extra Credit to those who have cases, articles or issues that they want to bring to the class and informally present for discussion…pay attention and try to connect the class to the ‘real world’. See me for further instructions.
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