Introduction to Philosophy

Course Summary

This course is designed to survey the most prominent philosophers from around the world. The first semester will be dedicated to “western” philosophy, and the second semester will be dedicated to “eastern” philosophy. This course will investigate thinking about knowledge and belief, human nature, natural rights, reality, the supernatural, the self, beauty, and awareness of other world philosophies.

Main Topics

• Metaphysics - deals with the fundamental questions of reality.
• Epistemology - deals with our concept of knowledge, how we learn and what we can know.
• Philosophy of Government - studies the various forms of government and the ideas that inspired them
• Ethics - deals with human values and how individuals should act.
• Philosophy of Religion - identifies major religions from around the world (and history) and identifies similarities and differences in comparison to others. The religions studied will focus mainly on “eastern” religions in order to give an alternative perspective to what most American students are accustomed to.

Grade Breakdown

30% Class Participation -

An extremely important aspect to any philosophy course. This includes the total amount of participation, the quality of questions and comments raised during class, listening well to others, and responses to daily journals.

30% Classwork -

The majority of classwork is the engage in the process of journal writing, which will serve as a space for students to express their thinking as well as practice writing in a less than formal

40% Written Reports/Essays/Projects -

Reports will include you responses to readings and creation of your own versions of philosophy. There will be various group projects, which will include some form of written report.