Arts & Philosophy Department – West Campus

Course Syllabus: PHI 2010 – Introduction to Philosophy

Term: 16 Week Syllabus

Instructor / Professor Anthony D’ascoli
Phone / 786-501-7064
Office Hours / As per schedule on syllabus
Class / Scheduled time
Email /
Website /

What is a syllabus?

  • A contract between the student and the instructor
  • A written guide and orientation to the course and its expectations
  • A written document of the policies and procedures relative to the course

MDC Mission Statement

  • The Mission of Miami Dade College is to change lives through the opportunity of education.
  • As democracy’s college, MDC provides high-quality teaching and learning experiences that are accessible and affordable to meet the needs of our diverse students and prepare them to be responsible global citizens and successful lifelong learners. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural and civic beacon in our community.

Course Description

  • This is a foundation course in philosophy. Students will learn about topics such as epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. The course introduces the methods of philosophy, addresses some major philosophical questions and examines the views of various philosophers from around the world.
  • Prerequisite: ENC 1101
  • Gordon Rule class
  • 3 Credits

Course Objectives

  • The student will demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology associated with philosophy by classifying and/or correctly using philosophical vocabulary.
  • The student will demonstrate a comprehension of theories held by major philosophers by classifying them in relationship to their philosophy.
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge of the criteria which can be used to evaluate the validity of philosophical arguments by identifying underlying values and the logical structure of arguments.
  • The student will demonstrate knowledge of basic philosophical ideas by identifying the theories of important historical and contemporary philosophers.
  • The student will demonstrate comprehension of basic philosophical ideas by explaining philosophies in their own words.
  • The student will demonstrate the ability to analyze the relationship of philosophical positions by comparing and contrasting them.

Miami Dade Learning Outcomes

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.

Introduction to course:

I look forward to a challenging and thought provoking semester. Please keep in mind that the subject matter covered in this class requires extensive and concentrated readings and writingsthroughout the semester and focused research as assigned. It is not enough to just attend lectures and participate now and then. Students must be ready to do the readings, classwork and the homework in a serious and committed manner. Science and its relationship with philosophy will be given a fair amount of time. The intricate and often intimate relationship between the other disciplines as well as modern research in DNA and contemporary discoveries in archeology will also be examined for interdisciplinary relevancy and meaning in our quest for understanding the nature of self and our place in the scheme of things. The main requirement for this course is a sincere desire for knowledge and a love of the search. Philosophy is focused on reason and logic, so emotional opinions (though wonderful) serve little purpose in this course. If you are of a sensitive nature in regards to matters of usually touchy subjects such as race, sexuality, politics and religion, then I would suggest you examine yourself closely before taking this course. This course discusses all these areas in a logical, rational manner and as such I would suggest those who are easily offended take another humanities course (i.e. Music Appreciation, Art Appreciation, etc.).

Textbook and course requirements:

The Philosophical Journey: An Interactive Approach. Publisher:McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages, 2015. Author William Lawhead.

ISBN10:1259665410ISBN13:9781259665417

Access to internet for additional readings.

Academic Lab Hours (English and Math):

M, T, W, R – 8:00AM – 9:00PM; F-8:00 AM – 4:30PM; S 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Attendance Policy:

In order to succeed in this course, students are required to attend each class ON TIME and participate in the discussions.

  • Missing more than 2 classes will directly affect your participation grade. Any absences

must be excused in order to turn in make-up work or late work.

  • Missing the first 2 classes will get you automatically withdrawn.
  • Missing 3 classes in a row will get you automatically withdrawn
  • Missing more than 5 classes will drop you from the course
  • Habitual tardies will be treated as absences
  • Failure to attend 3 classes in a row without written notification and documented evidence as to the valid reason (to be determined by the professor), will result in automatic withdrawal. If this happens after the W date, then you will receive an F for this class. Please be responsible and advise your instructor if something comes up. Anyone with 5 or more cumulative absences will also be automatically withdrawn. Imagine if you will having the same attendance issues with your work.5 absences in 16 weeks would not keep your job and it will not keep your class.

Plagiarism Policy:

Please make yourselves aware of the student policy 4035 on academic dishonesty found on page 18 :

  • A student who intentionally plagiarizes will receive an F on the course
  • A student who accidentally plagiarizes will receive an F on the assignment or be asked to re-submit if the offense is not flagrant

Assessment:
The final grade for this course will generally be determined as follows:
Discussion/Participation/Attendance: 20%
Mid-Term Paper: 15%
Final Paper: 20%
Quizzes: 20%

Journals: 25%

Additionally, there will be extra credit opportunities during the semester.

1. Midterm and Final Papers:

Essay topics will be chosen by the students and approved by the instructor 4 weeks prior to the due date. They will involve summarizing and analyzing a reading or set of readings and developing or defending your own position.

The papers should be handed in at the beginning of the class period on the due date.

In general, unless the student can provide a documented excuse, late paper assignments will not be accepted.

Papers must be double-spaced, in a folder and paper clipped.
No staples.

Students should keep copies of all papers.

2. Journals:
There will be a five (5) journals for this course. In general, unless a student can provide a justifiable and documented reason for missing the journal deadline, she or he will not be able to turn in a ‘make up’ journal. These are writing assignments on the writings covered that week in class.
3. Course Participation/Discussions:
Class participation grades are primarily based on the frequency and quality of a student’s in-class comments and questions. Additionally, there will be discussions on specific topics to be given that week by the instructor. Students will be required to analyze the topic together (in small groups) and then with the instructor.Frequent absences and/or lateness will be considered in calculating final course grades.

4. Quizzes:

There will be five (5) quizzes on the assigned home reading requirements. These will be take home quizzes that will determine that the material was read and understood. You will be writing brief essays for these quizzes on the work that is being read and discussed. These quizzes, if done properly can lead to the introduction and development of the larger midterm and final papers. Quizzes will be due on the last class meeting of the week they were assigned. Quizzes may be turned in late, but they will be for a lower grade and will be expected to be superior to those turned in on time.

Withdrawal:

  • If you feel that you will be unable to complete the requirements for passing this class, you have the option to withdraw from the class by the College’s “drop date”. However, there are consequences of which you need to be aware if you drop a class or stop attending and you should always speak to your instructor or an advisor first. For example, you must earn at least two-thirds or 67% of the total credits for which you have registered and that failure to comply with this requirement will adversely impact your financial aid status with MDC. If after considering the possible consequences, you still opt drop the class, keep in mind that it is your responsibility to do so (not the instructor’s) and failure to withdraw will result in you earning a grade of “F” for the course you stop attending.
  • If extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, accident, change in employment situation, etc.) prevent you from continuing to attend your class before the drop date, speak to your instructor first and if needed, to the Chairperson to assess your options.

Additional Course requirements and expectations:
Keep up with the reading. Students are expected to come to class having done the assigned reading. If you think that you couldn’t explain some aspect of the reading, raise a question about the issue in class. NOTE: you will not have to read entire chapter(s) or novels, I will tell you in class which parts to read for the upcoming week.

Document your sources. It is very important that you document the claims that you make about the views you say each author holds. You can use either footnotes or parenthetical references in the text. Give page references for direct quotations; and indicate what set of pages you are summarizing even if you are not directly quoting anything. Failure to acknowledge sources is plagiarism and is a serious offense.In most cases you will, at a minimum, fail the course. The principle here is: you cannot cheat on a course and be allowed to pass it.

Keep track of the schedule. Every effort will be made to follow precisely the course outline as specified below. Nonetheless, changes may be necessary. It is your responsibility to keep up-to-date on any changes.

Respect. Philosophy places special emphasis on argumentation. However, what philosophers mean by argumentation is primarily the activity of providing and listening to reasons. The emphasis on argument is certainly no excuse for rudeness, even if one is in strong disagreement with another person’s perspective.

  • Disabilities: Students should contact ACCESS:
  • Learning Outcomes:

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (subject to change if a topic seems to interest the class more we may spend more time or less time on each area):

Week 1 – Introduction to Philosophy – definitions, reasons to study, classroom etiquette. Philosophical Terms – definitions.Philosophical Fields of Study – Ontology, Axiology, Epistemology, Philosophy of Religion, Aesthetics, Ethics, Logic, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy.Brief History of Philosophy – Chapter 1.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Plato and Russell.Assigned reading: Selections from Plato’s Apology, Plato’s Forms and Bertrand Russell Value of Philosophy – Quiz 1 due Week 3

Week 2 – Philosophy of Religion – Selected Readings and handouts in class. Assigned reading: Selections from Anselm, Aquinas, Paley, Pascal – Quiz 1 due Week 3

Week 3 – Philosophy of Religion.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Selections from Hume, Liebniz, Horrendous Evil, Plato’s Euthyphro – Assign Quiz 2 due Week 5. Assign Journal 1 Due on Intro & Religion – Week 4. Quiz 3 Due.

Week 4 – Epistemology – Dualism/Monism/Pluralism – Chapter 4.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Selections from Grau, Descartres, Nozick, Hume, Russell – Quiz 2 due Week 5. Midterm Paper Topic Due.Journal 1 Due.

Week 5 – Epistemology – Selected Readings and handouts in class. Assigned reading: Salmon, Ryle Armstrong, Churchland – Assign Quiz 3 due Week 10. Assign Journal 2.Quiz 2 Due.

Week 6 –Epistemology and Identity.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Jackson, Searle, Perry, Williams, Parfit– Assign Quiz 3 due Week 10.

Week 7-Free Will.Determinism.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Dennett, Chisolm, Inwagen, Frankfurt. Journal 2 Due.

Week 8.Freewill Soft & Hard Determinism.Class Discussion.Assigned reading: Wolf, Watson, Frankfurt, Fischer– Assign Journal 3 due Week 11. Midterm Paper Due!!

Week 9 – Ethics. Ancient Greek Ethics/Justice/Morality/Egoism/Utilitarianism Part 1 – Chapter 7.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Wolf, Bentham, Mill. Assign Final Paper Topic Due Week 10.

Week 10 – Ethics –Critiques of Utilitarianism.Animals. Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Caritt, Smart Williams, Singer – Assign Quiz 4 due Week 13. Assign Journal 4 Due Week 13Final Paper topic Due. Quiz 3 Due.

Week 11-Ethics – Deontological and Virtue Approaches – Chapter 7.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics & Kant’s Categorical Imperatives, Velleman –Assign Quiz 4 due Week 13. Journal 3 is due.

Week 12-Ethical Theories-Justice/Action/Feminist perspectives/Race.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: Thomson, Mills, Rawls, Satz, Appiah, Alcoff.

Week 13-Ethical Theories II- Ethics and Feminism/Ethics and Deep Ecology.Chapter 8.Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: John Locke, Rousseau & Hobbes – Assign Quiz 5 due Week 15. Quiz 4 Due. Journal 4 Due.

Week 14- Meaning of Life- Chapter 9. Selected Readings and handouts in class.– Assigned reading – Nagel, Plato, Brueckner, Taylor , WolfAssign Journal 5 due Week 15.

Week 15- Politics and Love - Selected Readings and handouts in class.Assigned reading: John Locke, Rousseau & Hobbes, Plato. Quiz 5 Due.Journal 5 Due.

Week 16 – Final Exams/Papers/ProjectFinal Paper Due!

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