Philosophy 190 (121): the Examined Life
Philosophy 190 (121): The Examined Life Office: Knorr House, basement
Fall 2005Hours: MW noon - 1:30 pm
MWF 8:00 - 9:05 amand by appointment
Pacific Lutheran University253/ 535 - 8739
Dr. Pauline M. Kaurinemail: kaurinpa @ plu.edu
Webpage:
Objectives of the Course:
1- To critically analyze, understand and evaluate a range of philosophical arguments, their developments, contexts and implications.
2- To develop skills in philosophical argumentation and counter-argumentation, in written and oral form, in both individual and group settings.
3- To engage with philosophical texts, philosophers and members of the class in the philosophical process.
4- To construct and develop one's own philosophical view with a deeper understanding of both philosophical process and heritage.
5- To incorporate, enhance and apply the skills of the First Year Experience, within the discipline of philosophy.
What is an Inquiry Seminar?
An Inquiry Seminar is a specially designed GUR (General University Requirement) class that will introduce you to the ideas, methods, and views of a particular discipline (in this case, Philosophy) within the University. Inquiry Seminars are limited to about 20 students, First Year Students only, so that we can develop a comfortable and supportive learning community in which to explore, learn and be challenged. While all disciplines search for Truth and Knowledge, and seek to apply to the world, they do so in different ways, asking different questions, looking at different parts of human experience and using different tools and methodologies. Why is having a general education important? Why do I take classes that are not related to my major? PLU'S Statement on the Principles of General Education puts it this way: " Through this program of study, students begin the process of shaping not only a career, but more importantly a life of meaning and purpose. This general education, in which students grapple with life's most fundamental questions, is deepened and complemented by the specialized work students undertake in their majors."
Why Philosophy?
Philosophy is more than a class to fill your GUR requirement: it's an adventure! Philosophy concerns the most fundamental questions of the human experience: Is there Truth? What sort of life should I live? What should be the role of Science in society? How much should an individual’s liberty be restricted for the common good? Can I have a good life, be a good, moral person if I do not believe in God? What gives life meaning? Do I have a soul and if I do, will it live on after my body? Do animals have souls? What ideas are good, reasonable to hold? Is it reasonable to believe in aliens? Miracles? In world peace? How do I decide what to believe?
An analogy may be helpful: philosophy is a lot like climbing Mount Rainier. Together we will embark on an new odyssey. As we climb the mountain, I will be your guide and point out what I think are interesting sights and paths, show you some of the tools and tricks of mountain climbing that you will need, but at some point you will venture out on your own and report back to us what you found. This class is not designed to tell you what the answers to life are, but rather to help you figure out what questions you need to ask so that you can find your own answers. However, this does not need to be a lonely odyssey. We are all (yes, even the professor) exploring on our own, but it is an essential part of the philosophical process that we share our experiences and help one another with constructive criticism and ideas at every opportunity. When we are finished you will have learned skills that will be helpful in other pursuits, but more importantly you will be participating in a tradition that aspires to the best and highest in humanity.
"An Unexamined Life is not Worth Living?"
Socrates is usually credited with both the quote and the general idea; living our life is not enough, we must also examine and think about how and why we live the way we do, and whether we should continue living as we have in the past. The fun thing about taking philosophy in college is that you are already beginning to ask these very kinds of questions about your own life and about the world around you. What should I do with my life? What kind of life do I want to have (or not want to have?) Should I keep the values of my parents, community and friends, or should I construct my own? Do I want to continue in the traditions (cultural, religious, ethnic) I have grown up with, should I reject them and start over or will I keep some and leave behind others? Who am I? Who do I want to be? What do I believe? Why? Like Socrates (whom many people found annoying with his incessant questions) we will examine our lives by looking at what other philosophers in other times have thought and said about these very issues and begin to sort out the trash from your treasures.
Class Requirements:
Critical Reflection Papers: A 500 – 750 word (2-3 page) paper which is designed to engage the readings on your own and to work through the issues before (and in preparation for) class discussion, practicing the intellectual virtue of autonomy. These papers should follow the requirements laid out for all papers in the syllabus, the 4 Step Writing Process and the assignment sheet. These papers are graded on a +, , - scale and contribute to the effort portion of your grade They will be due at the beginning of class (8:00 am) on the following dates September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 12, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21 and December 5. You may opt out of three of these papers (no more than two before or after midterm); this option is designed to accommodate sickness, emergencies and other unexpected issues, so use your discretion. Please note that I do NOT accept late papers (for any reason) without prior consultation and permission.
Essay #1: An 8-10 page paper, which addresses one of the major ideas that we have discussed (Plato, Aristotle or Descartes.) The First Draft of this paper (required) is due at the beginning of class on October 17. Final Draft is due at the beginning of class November 4. (See the specific assignment sheet for additional information.)
Essay #2: An 8-10 page paper, which addresses one of the major ideas that we have discussed in the second half of the term (Kant, Mill, Nietzsche, James or Camus.) You also have the option to do your own topic or project, but 1) it must make use of one of the above philosophers and 2) the topic must be cleared with me no later than November 23. First draft of the paper (required) is due at the beginning of class November 28. Final Draft is due in my office no later than the end of our final exam period.
Peer Critiques: A 2-3-page critique written assessing the arguments in the First Draft of another student’s Essay, to provide input during the final stages of writing. Due at the beginning of class October 19 and December 2.
Movie Paper: You will be required to write a 4-5 page (1200 - 1500 words) paper to be presented to the class between September 30 and December 9 on one of the philosophical ideas or issues in one of the movies assigned. (See the specific assignment sheet for additional information.)
Class Attendance/Participation and Miscellaneous: You are expected to be in class on time and to come prepared to actively discuss the assigned readings and participate in discussion. More than 6 absences (regardless of reason) and/or consistent lack of preparation will result in a significantly lower grade. There will be small assignments, debates, guest lectures or small group work that also will contribute to this part of the grade. These will be graded on a +, , or - scale. (It is therefore to your advantage not to miss class since these assignments will be announced in class and there are no make-ups.)
Grading:
CRP's (11-3=8)20%
Essay #125%
Essay #225%
Peer Critiques (2)10%
Movie Paper10%
Class Attendance/Misc.10%
Class Policies: (see also Class Expectations handout)
This is primarily a discussion class so it is crucial that you not only do the reading, but also come to class prepared with questions and comments and activelybe engaged and participate. Lateness (just like in the Real World) is not only disruptive to the discussion process, but also inhibits your participation. If you must come late (or leave early), be respectful of the class' time and space and take care that is does not become a habit. Be respectful of the class time and space by turning down/off cell phones, beepers etc and refraining from other activities - text messaging, emailing, knitting etc - that are distracting or send the message (intended or not) that you are not fully attentive and engaged in our learning community.
All papers should follow the guidelines that I have set out in the Essay Guidelines handout, (and conforming to the particular assignment) as well as being typed, double spaced and conforming to the appropriate citation style. I do not accept papers via mail, disk, fax, email or carrier pigeon.
I will accept NO late papers (Critical Reflection Papers, Essays, Movie Paper, and Peer Critiques) without prior permission and consultation. A late paper is defined as any paper than comes in more than 5 minutes after the due time (normally the beginning of class – 8:00 am.)
If a situation arises that may effect your attendance and/or work, please consult with me as early as possible and I will be more than happy to work with you.
In the event that classes are cancelled (either due to inclement weather or my illness), call my extension for instructions or check your PLU email. You are responsible for any assignments or directions I give you. Unless you hear otherwise from me, the schedule remains as is.
If you require special accommodations for disability of any kind, please discuss it with me and/or the appropriate university personnel.
Required Texts: (in reading order, more or less)
Norman Melchert: Who's to Say: A dialogue on Relativism (Hackett) ISBN 0872202712
Plato: The Symposium (Hackett) ISBN 0872200760
Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics (Hackett) ISBN 0872204642
Descartes: Discourse On Method and Mediations on First Philosophy (Hackett) ISBN 0872205673
Kant: Grounding to the Metaphysics of Morals (Hackett) ISBN 087220166X
Mill: On Liberty (Hackett) ISBN 0915144433
Nietzsche: On the Genealogy of Morals (Hackett) ISBN 0872202836
James: Pragmatism (Hackett) ISBN 0915145057
Albert Camus: The Plague (Vintage) ISBN 0679720219
Recommended Texts: (available in Mordvedt Library)
Jostein Gaarder: Sophie's World. (NY: Berkeley Books, 1994)
Frederick Copleston: A History of Philosophy. (This comes in several volumes arranged chronologically and generally available in the library)
While there are various resources available online that might be helpful, please heed the following caveats (which also apply to non-online secondary sources):
1) Just because it is on the Internet (or in a text) does not mean that the content is accurate – check your sources and trust your critical capacities,
2) Any sources you might find are someone else’s interpretation of the text which you should never substitute for your own reading and interpretation since they might very well be WRONG, and
3) Relying on other sources will not help YOU develop your own reading, critical thinking and analysis skills (which you will need to successfully write your papers), nor will it tell you what your own perspective is (which you will also need to write your papers and participate in class.)
Class Schedule:
(All assignments are due on the date indicated, the reading questions below certain assignments are issues we will address in class and which may help you focus your reading.)
September 7: Introductions
September 9: What is Philosophy?; Research assignment - 1 online source and 1 book from Mortvedt Library
Reading Question: What is Philosophy? How does it differ from other disciplines? What are some the assumptions, methods and tools that it employs?
September 12: CRP #1 due; read Melchert 'First Conversation' (to p. 25)
September 14: read Melchert 'Second Conversation' (to pg. 52)
September 16: read Melchert 'Third Conversation' (to end)
Reading Questions: Whose view do you find yourself agreeing with the most? Why? Whose view do you find yourself disagreeing with the most? Why?
September 19: CPR#2 due; read Plato to 185E (side margin pagination)
Reading Question: What is the dialogue about? Why is that an important topic? Why does Plato use the dialogue format?
September 21: read Plato to 203B
Reading Question: What kinds of questions does Socrates raise? Why?
September 23: read Plato to end; 2 discussion questions (to hand in) according to instructions given in class
Reading Question: What do they conclude?
September 26: CRP#3 due; read Aristotle Book I (to1103a10)
Reading Question: What is the point of the Nicomachean Ethics?
September 28: read Aristotle Book II and III (to 1115a5)
Reading Question: Where does virtue come from? How do we get to be virtuous?
September 30: read Aristotle Books V and VI (1129a5 to1145a10); 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What role does prudence play in virtue? What is prudence?
October 3: CRP #4 due; read Aristotle Books VIII and IX - note Book VII is for next time - (1155a5 to 1172a15)
Reading Question: What does friendship have to do with virtue?
October 5: read Aristotle Books VII and X (1145a15 to1154b30; 1172a15 to end)
Reading Question: What is the difference between pleasure and happiness? How would Aristotle characterize the main characters from The Simpson's?
October 7: no class - start reading and writing for Essay
October 10: no class - reading and writing for Essay
October 12: CRP #5 due; read Descartes' Mediations on the First Philosophy Mediations 1 and 2 (to side pagination 34)
Reading Question: What is Descartes' trying to do? What is the point of this?
October 14: read Descartes Mediations 3 and 4: 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What is the point of the proof for the existence of God? How does it fit into the argument?
October 17: Essay #1 First Draft due (8:00am); read Descartes Mediation 5
Reading Question: Why are there 2 proofs for the existence of God?
October 19: Peer Critique #1 due; read Descartes Mediation 6
Reading Question: What does Descartes conclude? How does he resolve the issues raised in Mediation 1?
October 21: no class - Fall Break
October 24: CRP #6 due; read Kant Preface and First Section (to 406)
Reading Question: What is a good will? How is it connected to duty?
October 26: read Kant Second Section (to 446); 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What is the Categorical Imperative? How is it important?
October 28: read Kant Third Section
Reading Question: Why should we be moral?
October 31: CRP #7 due; read Mill Chapters 1 and 2
Reading Question: What is the basis for Mill's argument? Is he saying there is a right to free expression?
November 2: read Mill Chapter 3
Reading Question: Do contemporary Americans really value individualism?
November 4: Essay #1 Final version due; read Mill Chapter 4
Reading Question: For what reasons may the state restrict individual liberty?
November 7: CRP #8 due; read Mill Chapter 5
November 9: read Nietzsche First Essay
Reading Question: What is the purpose of this book? What is Nietzsche doing? Why?
November 11: read Nietzsche Second Essay; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: What is Bad Conscience and from where did it come?
November 14: CRP #9 due; read Nietzsche Third Essay
Reading Question: What is Nietzsche's concern with the 'ascetic values'?
November 16: preparation for group work/debate as assigned
November 18: read James Lecture I and II
Reading Question: What is Pragmatism? How is it different from other views we have examined?
November 21: CRP #10 due; read James Lecture III and IV
Reading Question: Why do metaphysical problems matter? Who cares?
November 23: read Lectures V and VI; 2 discussion questions
Reading Question: How does a Pragmatist think about Truth?
November 25: no class - Thanksgiving Break
November 28: Essay #2 Draft due (no exceptions!); read James Lecture VII
Reading Question: What is Humanism?
November 30: read James Lecture VIII
Reading Question: How does a Pragmatist view religion? Why?
December 2: Peer Critique #2 due; read Camus Part I
December 5: CRP #11 due; read Camus Part II and III
December 7: read Camus Part III and IV; 2 discussion questions
December 9: read Camus Part V; course evaluations
Final version Essay #2 due in my office NLT the end of our scheduled final exam period
Suggestions for Critical Reading:
Reading this kind of material will typically take longer than you are used to spending for other classes. I guess that you do two readings. First, skim or read lightly in order to get the general gist and layout of things. Then, read carefully and critically for the arguments, claims and evidences and think about what your assessment of the author’s perspective is, making notes or processing the material as you go. If you follow this method, your reading will actually take less time, be more productive and you will also spend less time re-reading material to write your papers. Work smarter!!