Course Description and Objective:  Philosophical Reasoning is a course in philosophical argumentation in which we will examine some major arguments in philosophy and engage in critical evaluation of the concept of rationality itself.  The course is divided into two halves.  The first half is an examination of some major philosophical problems, their argumentative structure, and critical appraisal of them.  The second half is an inquiry into the nature of rationality and critiques of "reason."  You will become familiar with philosophical terminology, problems in reasoning, forms of argumentation, and classical and contemporary debates regarding the nature of rationality.

Grades:  Grades are determined based on three examinations and individual course assignments.  Exams are 75% of your grade (25% each) and assignments count collectively as 25%.  Grades are earned, not given.  The +/- grading scale is in use in this course.  Missed tests or assignments can be made up only with good, legitimate and verifiable reasons.

Texts:  Cornman, Lehrer and Pappas, Philosophical Problems and Arguments, 4th Edition, Hackett Publishing Company.
             Genevieve Lloyd, The Man of Reason, University of Minnesota Press.
             Other works required for the course will be placed on reserve in the UCF Library or will be available on-line.

Schedule:

8/20-9/21:  Argumentation; Arguments in: Knowledge & Skepticism, Free Will and Determinism, Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion, Ethics.  Philosophical Problems and Arguments and on-line/reserve resources.

TEST 1

9/21-10/12:  Continuation - argumentative structure in philosophical reasoning.  On-line/reserve and other resources.

TEST 2

10/12-12/3:  Rationality in Philosophical Discourse.  Lloyd, The Man of Reason, et. al.

12/7:  TEST 3

Several course assignments (library work, bibliography, short essays, etc.) will be assigned throughout the semester.