Welcome to Introduction to Philosophy 1010
Instructor / Dr. Kevin Morgan
OfficePhone / 727- 394-6198
OfficeAddress / Seminole: LI 265
OfficeHours / Mon, Tues, Thurs 9:00 AM -1:00 PM, Weds 6;00 PM- 9
E-mail /
Humanities Department Contact Information
Program Chair: Dr. Kevin Stanley, Seminole Campus UP 337G, 727-394-6011
Dean: Dr. Jonathan Steele, Clearwater Campus, CR 154C, 727-791-5987
Required Text
The Roots of Wisdom 7th. ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell (Wadsworth) or earlier editions (5th or 6th editions can be used as well, although page numbers are in 7th ed)
ISBN-10: 1285197127
Course Description
Prerequisite: (ENC 0020 or ENC 0025) or EAP 1695 or satisfactory score on the SPC placement test. This introductory survey of the perennial issues in human existence provides a rich evaluation of life's meaning. A critical examination is conducted of the fundamental assumptions, terminology, and schools of thought addressing the issues in metaphysics, epistemology and axiology (ethics, aesthetics, and theology.) Discussion as well as lecture will focus on both classical and contemporary philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, Sartre, and de Beauvoir. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements outlined in the General Education Requirements. Credit is not given for both PHI 1010 and PHI 1010H. 47 contact hours.
Major Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate the following learning objectives in Introduction to Philosophy:
1. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the basic forms of metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology.
2. The student will demonstrate understanding of what a philosophical problem is.
3. The student will demonstrate knowledge of a variety of philosophical problems
and explore possible responses to these perennial issues.
4. The student will demonstrate knowledge of philosophical argument.
5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the classic contributions to the philosophical literature.
6. The student will demonstrate the ability to evaluate the importance of the
major philosophies in the quest to develop world views encompassing the
perplexities of human experience.
7. The student will demonstrate increased ability in philosophical
discussion and writing.
Semester Schedule of Content by Learning Modules
Modules / Assignments / Thematic Focus / Activities
Module 1 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 1: Why Philosophy? Is This All There Is? from pages 14-41 / What is Philosophy? / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Introductions andWhat is Philosophy?
Quiz Chapter 1
Module 2 / From The Roots of Wisdom7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Historical Interlude A: A Worldwide Context for Western Philosophy on pages 2-13, and Chapter 1, finish pp. 42-55 / Philosophy around the World / Explore cyber journeys
DiscussNon-Western Philosophies
Quiz Historical Interlude A
Module 3 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 2, Reality and Being. Is hat You See What You Get? on pages 59-100 / Metaphysics: What is Real?
Philosophy and Religion / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Metaphysics
Quiz Chapter 2
Module 4 / From The Roots of Wisdom,7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 3, Human Nature. Who or What Are We, and What Are We Doing Here? on pages 117-161 / Philosophy and Self
Who are We? / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Theories of Self
Quiz Chapter 3
Module 5 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 4, Philosophy and Ultimate Reality: Who's in Charge? pages 168-209 / Philosophy and God
Concepts of God / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Philosophy of Religion
Quiz Chapter 4
Module 6
/ From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Historical Interlude B: Philosophy and Early Christianity on pages 106-116
Read Historical Interlude C: From the Medieval to the Modern World on pages 218-226 /
Early Christianity
Medieval Philosophy
Modern Philosophy / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss History and Philosophy from Early Christianity to Enlightenment
Quizzes: Historical Interludes B & C
Module 7
/ From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
ReadChapter 5, Knowledge Sources: Do You See What I See? on pages 227-264 / Epistemology:
What is Knowledge? / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Knowledge Sources
Quiz Chapter 5
Discussion: Participation I
Essay 1 Due
Midterm
/ Midterm Reflections: From Roots of Wisdom, review Chapters 1-5 / Midterm Review / Quiz: Midterm:
Objective and Multiple Choice
Module8
/ From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 6, Truth Tests: Do You Swear to Tell the Truth? on pages 269-300 / The Nature of Truth
Knowledge and Truth / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss What is Truth?
Quiz Chapter 6
Module9
/ From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 7, Aesthetic Experience: Is Truth Beauty and Beauty Truth? on pages 305-340 / Aesthetics: The Arts
What is Beauty? / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss What is beauty?
Quiz Chapter 7
Module 10 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Questions of Axiology. Historical Interlude D: From the Modern World to the Postmodern World on pages 346-354 / Modernism and Philosophy
Contempory Philosophy / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Modern/Post Modern
Quiz Historical Interlude D
Module 11 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 6th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read, Chapter 8: Political Philosophy. Is Big Brother Watching? on pages 355-391 / Political Philosophy
The Good State / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Political Philosophy
Quiz Chapter 8
Module 12 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 9: Social Philosophy. Am I My Brother's or Sister's Keeper? on pages 396-443 / Social Philosophy / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Social Philosophy
Quiz Chapter 9
Module 13 / From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Chapter 10, Ethics: What Will It Be: Truth or Consequences? on pages 451-495 / Moral Philosophy
Intentions and Consequences / Explore cyber journeys
Discuss Ethics and Morality
Quiz Chapter 10
Essay #2 Research
Module 15 / F From The Roots of Wisdom, 7th ed. by Helen Buss Mitchell,
Read Historical Interlude E: A Revolution in Philosophy on pages 503-513
Appendix: A Few Final Words about Philosophy 515-518 / Revolutions in Philosophy:
The Human Brain / Explore cyber journeys
Discussion: Participation II
Quiz Historical Interlude E
Module 16 / Final Reflections: review The Roots of Wisdom, Review pp. 269-518
/ Philosophy in Review / Final Exam: Multiple Choice and Essay Response
Course Evaluations
Grading Policy
All Assignments should be submitted through the course drop box as attachments.
Late Assignments will be deducted 5 points/day at the instructor's discretion. No assignments will be accepted once grades have been submitted at the end of the course.
Note: Early weekly discussion postings will be rewarded with more points than discussion postings latter in the week.
Participation 200
Quizzes 100
Midterm 200
Essay 1 100
Essay2 200
Final 200
Total 1000 points
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to be active onlineeach moduleor week in discussion. Although this online course does not involve regular on-campus class meetings, it is expected that you will access course content andpost in discussionon a regular dailybasis.
Note: Inactivity in discussion for two consecutive weekswill result in a withdrawl from this course.
Withdrawal Policy
Beginning the semester
Instructors will verify that students are in attendance at least once each week during the first two weeks of class. Students classified as “No Show” for both of the first two weeks will be administratively withdrawn.
During the semester
Immediately following the 60% point of the term, each instructor will verify which students are actively participating in class as defined in the course syllabus. Students classified as not meeting the criteria for active class participation will be administratively withdrawn with a “WF”. Students will be able to withdraw themselves at any time during the term. However, requests submitted after the 60% deadline will result in a “WF”. Students and instructors will automatically receive an e-mail notification to their SPC email whenever a withdrawal occurs.
The last day to withdraw without grade penalty can be found in the Academic Calendar. It is important that you make note of this date and assess your progress by the Midterm Exam in order to protect your GPA from the effects of a failing grade. If you should find that circumstances require you to withdraw, there is an online withdrawal form available at My SPC. Just a reminder that 3rd attempt students cannot withdraw from this course for any reason.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION FOR THIS CLASS:
Active class participation for this class is defined as posting in discussion forums for each module during the calendar weeks.
Academic Integrity
Cheating and plagiarism of any kind are serious violations of college policy and will not be tolerated. Students are expected to know and follow all class policies found in the syllabus and academic honesty policies found in the student handbook. It is the responsibility of the student to act above suspicion when completing any assignment. Ask your instructor for clarification on any policy before taking any action.
Examples of cheating and plagiarism include but are not limited to: presenting another person’s work as if it were the work of the presenter, allowing someone to copy your work, using published information without proper citations, using unauthorized references (cheat sheets or programmed information) on a test or examination, or allowing another individual to take a test or examination for you.
Disciplinary measures for academic dishonesty can range from a failing grade for an assignment to a failing grade in the class to expulsion from the college. Instances of academic dishonesty will also be referred to the Associate Provost to be filed in the student’s permanent record.