FALL 2012 SYLLABUS: HERE. OVERVIEW:
In this class, you will learn how to construct and critique philosophical arguments. You will practice this skill while wrestling with three sets of questions that have long fascinated philosophers (and just about everyone else...) (1) Practical and Theoretical Ethics: Under what conditions, if any, is it morally acceptable to kill? What features must someone or something have to be a target of our moral concern? Should we always act to promote the greatest good for the greatest number? Are there objective moral truths? How can we determine if a moral theory is true? (2) Personhood, Freedom, and the Future: What is it to be a person? Are human agents free? If so, what is it precisely to have free will? Is the future fixed or open? What kinds of changes can a person survive? (3) God, Faith and Evil: Does a god exist? If the God of Judaism, Christianity, or Islam exists, then how do we explain the seemingly gratuitous evils that occur every day? Are particular religious other philosophical beliefs rationally justifiable? By the end of the course, you will know prominent arguments defending particular stances on these issues. You will be able to identify weaknesses in these arguments. And you will be able to construct and defend original arguments on these issues. ASSIGNMENTS: Students will write (and rewrite!) two substantial papers, give an in-class argument introduction, give a workshop presentation for one of their papers and complete five shorter writing assignments. MEET THE FRESHMEN PHILOSORAPTORS:   |