Philosophy 2010: Introduction to Philosophy
Spring 2001
Professor Mundale
HFA 411L
jmundale@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu
Ph: 823-5076
website: http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~jmundale
Office hours: Tues./Thurs. 11:30-12:45; Fri. 1-3:30, and by appointment.
Required Text:
Wolff, Robert Paul. About Philosophy (8th ed.) Prentice Hall,
Upper Saddle River, NJ: 1998.
(This text will be supplemented with occasional handouts and online
resources.)
Course Synopsis:
This is an introductory level course in philosophy, with no prerequisites.
The course is intended to introduce students to some of the major philosophical
fields, figures and topics. Students will gain a basic familiarity with
such major fields as ethics, social and political philosophy, epistemology,
philosophy of mind, and metaphysics. Specific topics will include theories
for evaluating the moral status of our actions, the social contract, common
reasoning errors, the origins and status of our knowledge, the mind body
problem, and others.
Requirements:
Regular attendance and thoughtful preparation will be essential to
your successful completion of this course. Excessive absence will lower
your final grade. Meaningful class participation will figure positively
in determining your final grade. Disagreement and debate in the exchange
of philosophical ideas are natural, but you must observe a courteous, respectful
attitude toward others in the class. Disruptive or discourteous behavior
will not be tolerated and may result in a lowered grade, a failing grade,
or dismissal from the class. If you miss class, you are responsible for
the material covered in the missed class, as well as for any missed announcements
or handouts. Note about test attendance: If you miss a quiz or exam,
you will not automatically be granted a make-up: these will be given only
in exceptional circumstances, with substantial, written documentation,
from a competent authority (physician, coach, counselor, etc.) If granted,
the make-up will be more difficult than the original that was missed. However,
if you anticipate having to be absent on a quiz or exam day, and have a
legitimate reason for your absence, see me well ahead of time, and if possible,
I will arrange for you to take it early. Unexcused absence from an exam
will result in a failing grade for the missed exam.
Grading:
Quiz - 20%
Exam 1 - 25%
Exam 2 - 25%
Final Exam (cumulative) - 30%
(Quality class participation will also help your overall course grade.)
"Inch by inch, row
by row, we're going to make this garden grow. All it takes is a rake and
a hoe, and a piece of fertile ground..." - David Mallett
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important UCF dates to keep in mind:
| - Last day for full refund: January 12 | - Last day of classes (all UCF): April 23 |
| - Withdrawal deadline: March 2 | - Final Exams: April 24-30 |
| - Spring Break: March 12-17 |
Approximate class schedule: May vary some depending on class progress. Any changes will be announced or posted. Readings are to be completed prior to the class day on which they are scheduled.
Tu. Jan. 9: General introduction to course, the nature and scope of
philosophy
Th. Jan. 11: pp. 1-14, What is Philosophy?
Tu. Jan. 16: pp. 28-39, What is Philosophy?
Th. Jan. 18: pp. 156-165, begin Ethical Theory
Tu. Jan. 23: pp. 165-172, Ethical Theory
Th. Jan. 25: pp. 172-182, Ethical Theory
Tu. Jan. 30: Application (will be explained in class, no prior reading),
QUIZ.
Th. Feb. 1: pp. 182-188, Ethical Theory
Tu. Feb. 6: Handout on Aristotle's ethics
Th. Feb. 8: pp. 190-194 and 199-201,Finish Ethical Theory; Application,
pp. 222-225
Tu. Feb. 13: Application, pp.202-211, Review
Th. Feb. 15: EXAM #1
Tu. Feb. 20: pp. 266-273 , begin Social and Political Philosophy (focus
on social contract)
Th. Feb. 22: pp. 273-291, Social and Political Philosophy (focus on
social contract)
Tu. Feb. 27: Application (TBA)
Th. Mar. 1: Application (TBA) and begin Common Reasoning Mistakes (Note:
withdrawal deadline is March 2)
Tu. Mar. 6: Handout: Common Reasoning Mistakes
Th. Mar. 8: Common Reasoning Mistakes, cont'd.
Spring Break
Tu. Mar. 20: pp. 40-50, begin Theory of Knowledge
Th. Mar. 22: pp. 50-59, Theory of Knowledge
Tu. Mar. 27: Handout on Hume, Theory of Knowledge
Th. Mar. 29: Finish Theory of Knowledge, Review
Tu. Apr. 3: EXAM #2
Th. Apr. 5: pp. 88-90 and 103-106, begin Metaphysics and Philosophy
of Mind
Tu. Apr. 10: Handout, Metaphysics and Philosophy of Mind
Th. Apr. 12: pp. 79-85, Application
Tu. Apr. 17: pp. 111-119, Application
Th. Apr. 19: Review for Final Exam
Final Exam: Tues., April 24, 1-3:50, in regular classroom.