MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE | SPRING semester | 2024 |
Professor David Christopher Lane, Ph.D.
CRN 40492 | Course Hours: 54, 3 units
Email: dlane@mtsac.edu
VIRTUAL AND SYNCHRONOUS OFFICE HU, BY APPOINTMENT
Key Guideline: Everything you need for this course is listed on this page. Read it carefully and systematically. Each week you are provided with reading materials and films and essay questions. Your professor is here to help and available 24/7 via email at dlane@mtsac.edu.
Student Learning Outcomes by Discipline | Philosophy 5
SLO 1: Students will be able to analyze the major philosophical schools of thought, primarily in the Western tradition, although including some Eastern thought as well.
SLO 2: Student will be able to analyze the ideas of the major philosophers.
SLO 3: Students will be able to read, analyze, and reflect on primary philosophical texts to formulate their own understanding.
SLO 4: Students will be able to develop a logical philosophical argument.
SLO 5: Students will be able to critically evaluate philosophical theories in written essays.
SLO 6: Students will be able to apply philosophical knowledge from the major philosophers and schools of thought to real-world problems and contemporary issues.
Epistemology. Students will identify knowledge of Empirical and Rational systems of knowledge. Ethical Systems. Students will identify knowledge of Ethical Systems (Deontological, Teleological, Virtue Ethics). General Education Outcome. Students completing an assignment in Introduction to Philosophy will be able to identify the influence of culture on human expression. Inquiry/Critical Thinking and Analysis. Students will demonstrate inquiry (a systematic process of exploring issues, objects, or works) and analysis (assessment of evidence resulting in conclusions or judgments) as part of their coursework. Ontology. Students will identify knowledge of Ontological topics (Monism, Dualism, Pluralism).
General website: http://www.neuralsurfer.com
General library of free materials: https://sites.google.com/view/themasterlist/home
Neural Surfer's Youtube channel for original films: http://www.youtube.com/user/neuralsurfer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/neuralsurfer
Email: dlane@mtsac.edu
Audio Books: https://sites.google.com/site/msacaudiobooks/
Office location: ONLINE until further notice
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TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTION:
I have spent the last twenty years creating over 150 original mini-visual films on philosophy, science, and religion, to provide a more personal (and visual) glimpse into philosophy. In this way, they serve as a visual and auditory lecture from your Professor.
Furthermore, we have created over 500 original books and pamphlets dealing with philosophy that are available for free as PDFs and as interactive texts. This is an ongoing project and during the semester we will be adding to the large database that can be accessed anytime and anywhere via the Internet.
Finally, I am available 24/7 via email for any questions or issues you may have. Contact: dlane@mtsac.edu
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Your work must be your own.
A.I. and ChatGPT NOTICE: All essays and all writings must be self-generated. I know it is tempting to use A.I., but we have detectors and it is too easy to spot. Don't do it and don't be tempted to do it. Such writings will not be allowed.
I am available via email at dlane@mtsac.edu 24/7 if you have any questions or difficulties. I am here to help.
STUDENT TO STUDENT INTERACTION:
Often we learn more from sharing with other students than from formal lectures. Be sure to use the canvas forum to post your essay responses and to exchange ideas with
other students. Also, be sure to keep a copy of your posts (and selected interactions) on your website for my review at midterm and finals time.
REQUIRED BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE
ALL BOOKS, READINGS, AND FILMS FOR THIS CLASS ARE FREE.
However, each student has two options: 1) download the free PDF or provided link; or download the audio version via audible.com or through Apple iTunes as linked next to each book. The PDFS are free, but the audiobooks do cost, but not very much. It is your option.
BELOW ARE DIRECT LINKS TO THE BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE
ON BEING UNKNOWING | Free PDF | Audio version
JUST ODDS | Free PDF | Audio version
HOW SOCRATES DIED | Free PDF | Audio version (ALSO KNOWN AS THE SOCRATIC QUEST)
QUANTUM WEIRDNESS | Free PDF | Audio version
DARWIN 101 | Free PDF | Audio version
THE UNKNOWING SAGE | Free PDF | Audio version
THE TEMPTATIONS OF PRINCE AGIB | Free PDF | Audio version
DIGITAL TELEPORTATION | Free PDF | Audio version |
Special Note from Professor about audio versions: These past eight years we have partnered with audible.com and a series of professional narrators to provide our students with audio versions of some of the required texts for this class. We feel this a wonderful and useful option for students who are quite busy these days. You can listen to these audio texts almost anywhere (in your car, on your smartphone, at home on your computer). They are priced very low (anywhere from 5 dollars to 10 dollars) and provide a welcome alternative to reading a text that far too often students merely skim or skip altogether. I have been a big fan of audiobooks now for some 35 years. I highly recommend it. The key is to simply join Amazon's owned company, http://www.audible.com. I have provided links next to each required text for the audio version. It is your option, of course, whether you wish to have the audio version or the print copy. Below are instructions about the printed books for this class.
We have now produced 280 plus audiobooks. For a fuller listing go here: https://sites.google.com/site/msacaudiobooks/
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. In this philosophy course, we are following a consilience approach, much more typical of how philosophy was done in Aristotle's day, where one covered the natural sciences. This is not a history of philosophy course, but is rather designed to be very current and demonstrate how to think philosophically and scientifically through each major academic branch--from physics to biology to neuroscience to religion. We have spent years writing hundreds of articles on such subjects as consciousness, evolution, and artificial intelligence. Philosophy need not be a rehash of all things ancient, but can focus on topics of vital interest in today's increasingly technological world.
2. Each student is required to create a free website (preferably on google sites) that will contain all of the work done for this course. This will include all posts, and all extra credit. Google now has an updated, newer version video to help you with how to make your site. Keep a copy of everything that you do for the course on your website. Make sure your website is public so the Professor can access it. Also be sure if you use Google docs to make them publicly accessible.
3. Do all of the assigned readings to the best of your ability. There will be some reading that you may skim read, provided you understand the basic materials being presented.
4. Watch all of the assigned films in class.
5. Be sure to post weekly your answers to the required essay questions (two per week). Place them on your website, as well on the Canvas discussion board.
6. You will email your professor two times during the semester with a link to your website at dlane@mtsac.edu. Your work will be graded within 48 hours and you will be sent a direct reply from your professor. I don't put grades on Canvas, but only email them directly to you.
7. Since this is an accelerated course each student must be very responsible (given the accelerated term) and self-motivated. If you have any difficulties, questions, or problems email your teacher directly at dlane@mtsac.edu
8. To complete this course you must do the required readings, watch the required films, do all of the assignments, and finish the midterm and final.
9. Flash extra credit and updates. Your professor will be posting extra credit assignments (from magazines to movies to books) on occasion, so look out for them on the canvas class forum.
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OVERVIEW GUIDE: THE BASICS OF PHILOSOPHY
This is a remarkable and free resource that provides an overall guide to all things philosophical, including a brief history of Western and Eastern philosophy. Make use of this resource, particularly its timeline to better orient you to the evolution of philosophical thinking. We will be referring to this online site throughout the course.
WEEK ONE AND TWO: On Being Unknowing, How Socrates Died, Just Odds
Instructions: Read the following books. In addition, watch the required films that are listed just below the books. After reading the required books for the week and watching the required films, please respond to this week's essay question. Be sure to place it on your own website.
BOOKS FOR THIS WEEK
ON BEING UNKNOWING
Estimated reading time: 30 minutes
HOW SOCRATES DIED
Estimated reading time: 3 hours
JUST ODDS
Estimated reading time: 20 minutes
Extra Credit (not required, but encouraged)
THE LIFE OF PYTHAGORAS | Audio Version
REASONABLE LOGIC | Audio Version
Required Films (the vast majority of these mini-videos were created by your professor over the past 20 years).
1. EITHER/OR
2. THE MYTH OF ETERNAL RECURRENCE
4. THE EMERGENCE OF RATIONALITY
5. Plato's Allegory of the Cave
6. Mysterium Tremendum: Part One
7. Mysterium Tremendum: Part Two
All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)
TWO ESSAY QUESTIONS REQUIRED: 1. Why was Socrates sentenced to death? 2. Why is there a conflict (for some) between science and religion? Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 250 words. Place your answers on your website. Best to have it by Sunday of each week, but the midterm/finals are the absolute deadlines.
Share your posts on the Canvas discussion board and be sure to post at least two responses to your fellow students, 100 words each. Also place your response on your website as well.
REMEMBER: Your website should keep a copy of everything you do for this course since that is what the professor will grade at midterm (4th week) and at finals (8th week).
DOUBLE EXTRA CREDIT: Read one of the extra credit books listed for this week (or, better yet, listen to one of the audio versions). Be sure to post your analysis on your website.
REQUIRED PODCAST: listen to number 2 and 6 on the list
EXTRA CREDIT PODCAST: Ancient Philosophers
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WEEK THREE: Natural Philosophy and the Universe
Instructions: Read the following books. If you need to skim, be sure that you have a good grasp of the core ideas. In addition, watch the required films that are listed just below the books. After reading the required books for the week and watching the required films, please respond to this week's essay question. Be sure to place it on your own website.
Watch this first: HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY FILM: Part One (provides a general overview of traditional philosophy in ancient times)
BOOKS FOR THIS WEEK
QUANTUM WEIRDNESS
Estimated reading time: 2 hours
Extra Credit (not required, but strongly encouraged)
1 | Einstein vs. Bohr: the EPR paper of 1935 by Albert Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen
2 | Bohr vs. Einstein: Niels Bohr’s rejoinder to Einstein in physical review, 1935 by Niels Bohr
Required Films
2. ELIMINATIVE MATERIALISM, part one
3. ELIMINATIVE MATERIALISM, part two
4. ELIMINATIVE MATERIALISM, part three
5. Brian Greene's ELEGANT UNIVERSE
6. Brian Greene's THE FABRIC OF THE COSMOS
9. Quantum Superposition (important)
10. The Quantum Mechanical Nature of Photosynthesis
12. What is Matter?
EXTRA CREDIT
9. AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN GREENE
All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)
TWO ESSAY QUESTIONS REQUIRED: 1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? 2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it. Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 250 words. Place your answers on your website. Best to have it by Sunday of each week, but the midterm/finals are the absolute deadlines.
Share your posts on the Canvas discussion board and be sure to post at least two responses to your fellow students, 100 words each. Also place your response on your website as well.
REMEMBER: Your website should keep a copy of everything you do for this course since that is what the professor will grade at midterm (4th week) and at finals (8th week).
Best to finish each week by Sunday night but it is up to you since your work will be graded at midterm and finals time. Sunday is merely a guideline.
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WEEK FOUR: Biological Philosophy and Evolutionary Thinking
Instructions: Read the following books. If you need to skim, be sure that you have a good grasp of the core ideas. In addition, watch the required films that are listed just below the books. After reading the required books for the week and watching the required films, please respond to this week's essay question. Be sure to place it on your own website.
BOOK FOR THIS WEEK
DARWIN 101
Estimated reading time: 4 hours
Extra Credit (not required, but encouraged)
Estimated reading time: 3 hours
Required Films
2. DARWIN'S DNA
4. EVOLUTION EXPLAINED IN FOUR MINUTES
8. THE EVOLUTIONARY IMPERATIVE
All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)
TWO REQUIRED ESSAY QUESTIONS: 1. Why is the theory of evolution so important in understanding how human beings behave? 2. Which questions do you think evolutionary theory cannot answer? Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 250 words. Place your answers on your website and also on the canvas forum. Best to have it by Sunday of each week, but the midterm/finals are the absolute deadlines. Share your posts on the Canvas discussion board and be sure to post at least two responses to your fellow students, 100 words each. Also place your response on your website as well. REMEMBER: Your website should keep a copy of everything you do for this course since that is what the professor will grade at midterm (4th week) and at finals (8th week).
THE MIDTERM IS DUE
MIDTERM IS DUE March 25th by 11 pm | Introduction to Philosophy | Professor Lane
Be sure to answer all of the questions fully. It is best to be as comprehensive as possible and to also use quotes from the readings/films to back up your answer. Remember you may have to do some original research via the Net to properly answer the various questions. Two paragraphs minimum is a good rule of thumb (300 words or more for each answer), but you probably should go much longer. When finished, email a direct link of your website directly to dlane@mtsac.edu. I prefer Word documents and if you send it as a Google document please make sure that it is publicly accessible. Be sure to make it directly to me and not via canvas. Be sure to place all your work on your website and send me a direct link that works to my email at dlane@mtsac.edu.I don’t put grades on Canvas, but only email them directly to you.
KEY INSTRUCTIONS: Write your own personal responses to each of the questions below. That is Part One. After this use ChatGPT to many of the questions below. However, after doing so, explain where the AI reply is deficient and where it was proficient. Be sure to detail your answers. This is Part Two. Make sure each part is separate and distinct. You may have to do Internet research to augment some of your answers.
YOUR NAME:
1. Why was Socrates sentenced to death?
2. Why is there a conflict (for some) between science and religion?
3. Why are understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
4. What is eliminative materialism?
5. What is meant by intertheoretic reductionism and why does it help in critical thinking?
4.How much of the required reading have you done? Just be transparent, no penalty for honesty. (two sentence answer only here)
6 How many of the required films did you watch? Again, be transparent since there is no penalty for honesty (two sentence answer only here)
7. What is the main argument of “Being Unknowing”? Give specific details concerning the reading and why it relates to Socrates and his own philosophical inquiry.
8. Why is probability elemental to understanding why certain events transpire? Use examples from the book Just Odds.
9. Give an updated version (in your own words, be creative) of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.
10. How would you live differently if Nietzsche’s myth of eternal recurrence was shown to be true?
11. Who do you think won the quantum debate between Einstein and Bohr? Be sure to back up your argument with key quotes from the readings or from your own research.
11. What is the magic of evolution (via the film) and why does it help explain natural selection? Be specific and give examples.
12. What is String theory and how can it possibly explain the origins of matter?
13. How can Darwin’s theory of natural selection explain the emergence of consciousness?
14. Why did Darwin and Wallace part company over the human mind?
15. So far, what is your favorite film?
16. What does V.I.S.I.T.E.D. stand for and how can it help explain design without a designer?
17.Provide a deep analysis of the following audiobook. Be sure to listen first:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE-bSVVLsQ8&t=15s
18. LIST ALL OF YOUR POSTS AND PASTE THEM WITH THE TEST
19. List any extra credit. Be sure to write a 150 word or more reaction/analysis to any specific extra credit.
20. What is quantum superposition and what does it tell us about the limits of human intuition and cognition?
WEEK FIVE AND SIX: Consciousness, A.I., VR, and Digital Philosophy
Instructions: Read the following books. If you need to skim, be sure that you have a good grasp of the core ideas. In addition watch the required films that are listed just below the books. After reading the required books for the week and watching the required films, please respond to this week's essay question. Be sure to place it on your own website and also post a copy of it on the class forum.
Watch this first: HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY Part Two (provides a general overview of philosophy from Kant's time forward)
BOOKS FOR THIS WEEK
DIGITAL TELEPORTATION
Estimated reading time: 5 hours
EXTRA CREDIT BOOK (not required, but encouraged)
Estimated reading time 3 hours
Required Films
1. The Disneyland of Consciousness
2. Consciousness as a Mobius Strip
5. Brain Burn
6. Patricia Churchland Interview
7. The Sandcastle of Awareness
10. Ray Kurzweil
11. The Time Machine
15. The Complexity of Consciousness
16. Global Positioning Intelligence
All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)
FOUR REQUIRED ESSAY QUESTIONS: 1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness. 2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival? Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. 3. Do you think artificial intelligence will be a significant problem in the future? 4. How has technology impacted your life? Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 250 words. Place your answers on your website. Best to have it by Sunday of each week, but the midterm/finals are the absolute deadlines.
Share your posts on the Canvas discussion board and be sure to post at least two responses to your fellow students, 100 words each. Also place your response on your website as well.
REMEMBER: Your website should keep a copy of everything you do for this course since that is what the professor will grade at midterm (4th week) and at finals (8th week).
Best to finish each week by Sunday night but it is up to you since your work will be graded at midterm and finals time. Sunday is merely a guideline.
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WEEK SEVEN: Transcendent Thinking and Mysticism
Instructions: Read the following book. If you need to skim, be sure that you have a good grasp of the core ideas. In addition watch the required films that are listed just below the books. After reading the required books for the week and watching the required films, please respond to this week's essay question. Be sure to place it on your own website and also post a copy of it on the class forum.
Watch this first: HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY, Part Three (provides an overview of modern philosophy up to Sartre)
BOOKS FOR THIS WEEK
THE UNKNOWING SAGE
Estimated reading time: 2 hours
EXTRA CREDIT BOOK (not required, but encouraged)
3 | Vertical Ascent
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Required Films
3. SURFING IN THE CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES
8. iNNER VISIONS AND RUNNING TRAINS
9. THE CULT OF THE SEVEN SAGES
All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)
TWO REQUIRED ESSAY QUESTIONS: 1. Why are Faqir Chand's experiences important in understanding the projective nature of religious visions and miracles? 2. What is meant by the phrase, "philosophy done well is science; philosophy done poorly remains philosophy." Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films. Each answer should be at least 250 words. Place your answers on your website. Best to have it by Sunday of each week, but the midterm/finals are the absolute deadlines.
Share your posts on the Canvas discussion board and be sure to post at least two responses to your fellow students, 100 words each. Also place your response on your website as well.
REMEMBER: Your website should keep a copy of everything you do for this course since that is what the professor will grade at midterm (4th week) and at finals (8th week).
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WEEK EIGHT: Ethical Thinking and the Circle of Compassion
Instructions: Read the following books. If you need to skim, be sure that you have a good grasp of the core ideas. In addition watch the required films that are listed just below the books. After reading the required books for the week and watching the required films, please respond to this week's essay question. Be sure to place it on your own website and also post a copy of it on the class forum.
BOOKS FOR THIS WEEK
TEMPTATIONS OF PRINCE AGIB
Estimated reading time: 25 minutes
Extra credit (not required but recommended)
3 | Tom Blake: A Surfer's Philosophy
Required Films
Tom Blake: A Surfer's Philosophy
All films are available as closed caption (just click on the CC button when watching)
NO ESSAYS THIS WEEK, focus on the Final.
FINAL EXAMINATION | DUE APRIL 19th before 11 pm
Be sure to answer all the questions fully. It is best to be as comprehensive as possible and to also use quotes from the readings/films to back up your answer. Remember you may have to do some original research via the Net to answer the various questions properly. A minimum of three paragraphs is a good rule of thumb (300 words or more for each answer), but you should go much longer. When finished, email it directly to dlane@mtsac.edu. I prefer Word documents, and if you send it as a Google document, please ensure it is publicly accessible. Be sure to make it directly to me and not via Canvas. Be sure to place all your work on your website and send me a direct link that works to my email at dlane@mtsac.edu. All grades will be given out via email only.
KEY INSTRUCTIONS: Write your own personal responses to each of the questions below. That is Part One.
After this, use ChatGPT (Part Two) to answer many of the questions below. However, after doing so, explain where the AI reply is deficient and where it was proficient. Be sure to detail your answers. This is Part Two. Make sure each part is separate and distinct. Email directly to dlane@mtsac.edu
1. Your Name:
2. The Grade you received on the Midterm:
3. List all of your posts for the entire semester
4. List all extra credit (150 word analysis for each; you can do more than one)
5. How much of the reading did you do?
6. How many films did you watch?
7. In what ways can Artificial Intelligence or Virtual Reality technologies help in better understanding the following philosophical questions: A) The Universe as a Simulation. B) Consciousness as the result of a Neural Construct. C) The illusion of Reality itself. D) The limits of science. E) The Role of Religion. F) The evolution of intelligence.
Be sure to have separate answers, well developed, for A through F above. 300 words per answer; each need to be answerd. Remember to give your own answers for each and then follow-up with GPT on each response and then your analysis of where it is proficient and inefficient.
8. What were Baba Faqir Chand’s major insights and how do they impact our understanding of religion and mysticism in general? Give examples.
9. Create your own fictional story using he moral as given in the story of Prince Agib. Be creative and take a risk, but make sure you have read the story of Prince Agib before answering. It should be at least 500 words or more.
10. Compare and contrast the philosophies of Tom Blake and Errol Flynn. What do they reveal about modern humans and how they view the world today? 500 words or more.
What was the most important thing you learned this semester?
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GRADING
A= Securing a B+ or higher on each of the two required papers, passing the midterm with a B+ or higher, and doing all the required readings and watching all of the required films. Also completing each of the assigned essays and receiving a B+ grade or higher.
B= Securing a B- or higher on each of the two required papers and doing all the required readings, passing the midterm with a B- or higher, and watching all of the required films. Also completing each of the assigned essays and receiving a C grade or higher.
C= Securing a C- or higher on each of the two required papers and doing all the required readings, passing the midterm with a C or higher, and watching all of the required films. Also completing each of the assigned essays and receiving a C- grade or higher.
D= Securing a D- or higher on each of the two required papers and doing all the required readings, passing the midterm with a D or higher, and watching all of the required films. Also completing each of the assigned essays and receiving a D- grade or higher.
F= Not doing the required work for this course.
FROM THE MSAC GUIDELINE SHEET
Cheating and Plagiarism
The term “Cheating” includes but is not limited to:
• Plagiarism
• Receiving or knowingly supplying unauthorized information
• Using unauthorized material or sources
• Changing an answer after work has been graded and presenting it as improperly
graded
• Illegally accessing confidential information through a computer
• Taking an examination for another student or having another person take an
examination for you
• Presenting another person’s work as your own
• Forging or altering registration or grade documents
• Submitting collectively developed work as your own, unless specifically allowed by
the professor
A professor who determines that a student has cheated may give the student a failing grade
for the assignment and should report the alleged academic dishonesty to the Student Life
Office, which will maintain a record of the report and appropriate action under the
provisions of the Administrative Procedures on Student Discipline (AP 5520).
Students are advised that allegations of dishonesty are serious, and can lead to disciplinary
sanctions including suspension and expulsion. (AP 4290).
For webpage: http://www.mtsac.edu/distancelearning/_resources/2013-
14_Catalog_StudentHonestyPolicy_1.pdf
Disability Accommodations
Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they
may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact Disabled Students
Programs & Services (DSPS) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are
implemented in a timely manner. Their phone number is (909) 274-4290 and they are located
in the Student Services Building, Room 9B. Webpage: http://www.mtsac.edu/dsps/