PHI 2010 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Professor Allen L. McPhee
(305) 237-2636/ RM M315 (KC)/
Faculty Webpage: http://faculty.mdc.edu/amcphee
This course is an introduction to Western Philosophy. It is “an in-depth analysis of some of the major perennial philosophical problems as exemplified in the thought of several important philosophers.” Our approach is to introduce classical philosophical problems and/or issues and then engage in a review of the theories of different philosophers that relate to these issues. For example, we will look at “morality” and learn of different philosophical theories that philosophers have developed regarding the nature of morals. Throughout this course, we will be moving from issue to issue. Our objective in studying these issues is to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of how philosophy works. More precisely, students must be able to recognize historically designated philosophical problems/issues, demonstrate an historical understanding of one major philosopher, and compare and contrast different philosophical views.
This course is a philosophy course. As such, classroom discussions are an inherent part of the course. Students should read all assigned material prior to coming to class. This course is fast paced, but approachable if students keep up with reading assignments and regularly attend class. All classroom sessions are philosophical endeavors and will address student inquiry as they arise.
This course is approached from a positive, constructive perspective. Students are asked to learn philosophy as if they were about to put it into practice. From this position, students are able to evaluate the usefulness of many philosophical theories using their own standards. Academic objectives are achieved by the detailed examination of major topics.
Prerequisites and Co-requisites: None. 3 Credits Gordon Rule Course
Targeted Outcomes:
Competency 1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of philosophy by either:
a. Employing effective listening skills.
b. Employing effective speaking skills.
c. Employing effective reading skills.
d. Employing effective writing skills.
Competency 2: The Student will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of critical thinking by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms relating to critical thinking.
b. Distinguishing between deductive and inductive reasoning.
c. Applying various logical techniques to evaluate deductive and inductive arguments for traditional philosophical theories.
Competency 3: The Student will demonstrate an understanding of ethics by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms relating to ethics.
b. Identifying and explaining issues in normative ethics such as Kantianism, utilitarianism, or hedonism.
c. Describing their values and ethical standards regarding personal, civic and social responsibility.
d. Describing different theoretical frameworks for resolving ethical dilemmas.
Competency 4: The Student will demonstrate an understanding of epistemology
and metaphysics by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms relating to epistemology and
metaphysics.
b. Articulating various historical theories of epistemology and metaphysics.
c. Analyzing and evaluating various epistemological and metaphysical ideas.
Competency 5: The Student will demonstrate knowledge of the various branches of philosophy such as Aesthetics, Political or Social Philosophy, Philosophy of Religion, or Logic by:
a. Defining key vocabulary terms within these topics.
b. Articulating various theories within these topics.
c. Analyzing and evaluating ideas within these topics
Resources
Textbook --- What does it all mean? A Very Short Introduction Philosophy, by Thomas Nagel
Power Point presentation of for all major areas of discussion
Handouts will be provided to students as needed.
Office Hours: To Be Announced in Class
Understanding philosophy can be real confusing. Students are encouraged to make full use of office hours for tutoring. Students may also come in groups of two or more. In an office visit, material will be presented in a way tailored for the understanding of that particular student. Material will be repeated or stated in different ways until it is understood. In addition, studying tips that will ensure success in this course will be provided. Students who have difficulty writing required essays should visit the office for assistance. Please don’t wait for the last minute. Every student can pass Introduction to Philosophy by making good use of office hours.
Schedule
Week / Lecture / Textbook / Multimedia / Essays2 / Metaphilosophy / 3-7 / PowerPoint: “Philosophy?” / What is Philosophy?
Due Wk 5
3-5 / Metaphysics / 8-18
27-37 / PowerPoint: “Metaphysics”
VHS 4323
“Changing Knowledge, Changing Reality” / Topic Assigned for Second Essay
1st day of 6wk / Test1 / Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on Metaphysics
6-9 / Epistemology / 19-26
38-46 / PowerPoint: “Epistemology / 2nd Essay Due
2nd day of 9wk / Test 2 / Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on Epistemology
10-13 / Ethics / 59-75
/ PowerPoint: “Ethics” / 3rd Topic Assigned
2nd day of wk 13 / Test 3 / Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on Ethics
14-16 / Philosophy
of
Religion / 47-58
87-101 / PowerPoint: “Religion” / 3rd Essay Due
On Final Exam Date / Test 4 / Critical Thinking, Multiple Choice Exam on the Philosophy of Religion
Miami Dade College
General Education Outcome Statements
Purpose: Through the academic disciplines and co-curricular activities, General Education provides multiple, varied, and intentional learning experiences to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental knowledge and skills and the development of attitudes that foster effective citizenship and life-long learning. As graduates of Miami Dade College, students will be able to:
1. Communicate effectively using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills
2. Use quantitative analytical skills to evaluate and process numerical data
3. Solve problems using critical and creative thinking and scientific reasoning.
4. Formulate strategies to locate, evaluate, and apply information
5. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures, including global and historical perspectives.
6. Create strategies that can be used to fulfill personal, civic, and social responsibilities
7. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical thinking and its application to issues in society
8. Use computer and emerging technologies effectively
9. Demonstrate an appreciation for aesthetics and creative activities.
10. Describe how natural systems function and recognize the impact of humans on the environment.
Grades
1) Test 1: Metaphysics ------100 pts2) Test 2: Epistemology ------100 pts
3) Test 3: Ethics ------100 pts
4) Test 4: Philosophy of Religion ------100 pts
5) Paper 1: What is philosophy? ------100 pts
6) Paper 2: Assigned Topic ------100 pts
7) Paper 3: Assigned Topic ------100 pts
A ------716 pts to 800 pts
B ------636 pts to 715 pts
C ------556 pts to 635 pts
D ------476 pts to 555 pts
F ------475 pts and below
In order to pass this course, students must achieve both a passing grade which is point total of at least 556 points. And they must also achieve a point of at least 210 combined points on the three required papers. These papers fulfill the Gordon Rule requirement of this course and are graded in accordance to the rubric attached to this syllabus.
Class Conduct
A. Attendance – students are expected to attend all class sessions and are responsible for any work or notes that they miss.
1. Students with two weeks of unexcused absences, before the college’s official instructor drop date, will be dropped from this course without deliberation. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of any mitigating circumstance that should be considered before he or she is dropped.
2. Students may not bring children to class.
B. Tardiness – Coming to class late is disruptive to the class and suggests a lack of concern for the educational process. Regular tardiness is unacceptable.
C. Early Departures – Packing your bags before lecture is complete is disruptive to the class. Students who are caught initiating an early departure will be verbally reprimanded.
D. Behavior – Philosophy is a subject for ladies and gentlemen as such students are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Rude and/or disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated and include the following:
1. Chatting with other students while the professor is lecturing
2. Using a loud and rude tone to address others
3. Using profanity at any time within the classroom
4. Refusing to provide your full name when asked
5. Refusing to be silent when asked
6. Wearing headphones in the classroom
7. Sleeping (you maybe asked to leave the classroom)
8. Refusing to leave the classroom when asked
9. Using cell phones in class at any time
10. Speaking/ whispering while taking a test
11. Using a different language while in the classroom
12. Coming to take a test without a Scantron or pencil
E. Seating is a privilege, not a right. Students may sit wherever they like unless otherwise directed by the instructor. The instructor may change a student’s seat at will if it the change is perceived as being in the best interest of the class. On testing days, students should always expect their seats to be assigned.
Miami Dade College
Gordon Rule Writing Rubric
8/27/2008Page 2