"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates
Philosophy 2010: Introduction
to Philosophy
Spring
2005
Instructor
Information:
Dr. Jennifer Mundale
Ph: 823-5076; Email jmundale@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu
Office hours: Tu/Th 12-2:30 and by appt.,
411-L CNH (Colbourn Hall)
Website:
http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~jmundale
Required Text:
Wolff, Robert Paul. (1998) About
Philosophy (8th ed.) Prentice Hall.
(This text will be supplemented with occasional handouts and online resources.)
Course Description:
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.
Course Goals and
Objectives:
Students will gain a basic
familiarity with 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. More broadly,
students will develop their abilities to 1) analyze meanings and assertions
from diverse philosophical texts, and 2) think critically about philosophical
concepts, assertions, and arguments from diverse philosophical texts
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.
Makeup Policy:
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.)
Additionally, you must contact me within 3 calendar days of the missed quiz or
exam in order for me to consider granting a makeup: note that
“contact” means actually discussing the matter with me, not merely
leaving me a message or an e-mail. 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.
Class Decorum:
How you handle yourself reflects upon who you are, so behave in a way that
shows respect for yourself and for those around you. Please turn off your cell
phone before you come to class. You are expected to arrive on time and stay for
the duration of the class. Coming late, stepping out, and leaving early are
generally discourteous and can be disruptive. It is understood that urgent
situations may arise which make these things necessary and excusable. In all
other cases, this behavior should be avoided. If such behavior becomes
excessive, it will be considered disruptive to the class and represent grounds
for lowering your grade and/or taking disciplinary action. If you know that you
will need to leave early, please tell me before class that you will need to do
so.
Grades:
Quiz 1 -- 20%
Quiz 2 -- 20%
Midterm Exam- 30%
Final Exam (cumulative) - 30%
- The final exam is April 26th, 7-9:50 a.m., in the regular classroom.
- I will use the plus/minus grading convention (A, A-, B+, B, B-, etc.).
- Quality class participation will also help your overall course grade.
Class schedule through Spring Break: This may vary some depending on class progress. Any changes will be announced in class and posted on the website. Readings are to be completed prior to the class day on which they are scheduled.
Tu. Jan. 11: General introduction to course, the nature and scope of
philosophy
Th. Jan. 13: pp. 1-19, What is Philosophy?
Tu. Jan. 18: pp. 20-39, What is Philosophy?
Th. Jan. 20: pp. 156-165, begin Ethical Theory
Tu. Jan. 25: pp. 166-172, Ethical Theory
Th. Jan. 27: pp. 173-182, Ethical Theory
Tu. Feb. 1: Review, Quiz1.
Th. Feb. 3: pp. 183-188, Ethical Theory
Tu. Feb. 8: Begin handout (online) on Aristotle's ethics
Th. Feb. 10: Finish Aristotle handout.
Tu. Feb. 15: Applications in medical ethics , pp.212-225.
Th. Feb. 17 Finish applications, Review
Tu. Feb. 22: Midterm Exam
Th. Feb. 24: pp. 266-273 , begin Social and Political Philosophy (focus on
social contract)
Tu. Mar 1: pp. 274-291, Social and Political Philosophy (focus on social contract)
Th. Mar. 3: Application (TBA) and begin Common Reasoning Mistakes
Note: withdrawal deadline is March 4
Tu. Mar. 8: Handout: Common Reasoning Mistakes
Th. Mar. 10: Common Reasoning Mistakes, cont'd.
Spring Break, March 14-18.