HU2700 – Introduction to Philosophy

      

Answer key will be here

Quick Links:

          Course Itinerary/Readings

          Supplemental Material

          Contact Information

          Course Description

          Course Requirements and Grading

          Presentation Assignment and Schedules

Contact Information:

Instructor: Professor Michael Bowler                           
Office: Walker 323
Phone: 487 - 2447                                                      
Email: mjbowler@mtu.edu
Office Hours:  Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 – 2:00 and by appointment

Course Description:

This course will be a broad introduction to philosophical issues.  We will examine some of the more important issues in Philosophy including: Should one be moral or not, or what is the good life?  If one should be moral what is it to be moral?  Is democracy the most just form of government?  Does science really give us knowledge of the world around us, or with regard to knowledge does science hold a privileged position?  Does God exist? and is the existence of God compatible with the fact that there is evil in the world?  We will be reading selections from both the great philosophers of the tradition and also contemporary authors to give us a feel for the issues at stake.  In addition, we will have discussions about more concrete issues that will hopefully allow us to apply the theories we have learned.  Hopefully this will give you a broad overview of philosophical issues and also allow you to learn what some of the great philosophers in the western philosophical tradition have had to say about important philosophical topics. 

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course students will have a working knowledge of many of the key issues of philosophical concern, an acquaintance with the views of both contemporary and historical philosophers on such topics, and an ability to think philosophically about those themes both abstractly and as they relate to their contemporary, concrete versions.

There will be class presentations/debates throughout the semester.  For these presentations you will work in a group and present before the class.  There will two exams, one mid-semester and one at the end of the semester.  They first exam will cover material from the beginning of class up until the exam and the second exam will cover material from after the first exam to the end of the semester.  In addition, there will be regular quizzes on the readings, usually on the Tuesday of a given week.  Quizzes will cover the reading for the entire week.  Thus, it is imperative that you do the required readings before coming to class on Tuesday.  Finally, you will be graded on participation, which is a must, and attendance.  Excessive absences will be guaranteed to negatively affect your grade.  Promptness is expected. If you are consistently late to class your grade will be negatively affected.  No make-up exams or quizzes will be given except for documented officially excused absences (e.g., documented illness, documented athletic participation, etc.)

Grading:

Grading System:

Course Policies:

Please be courteous and respectful to everyone within the classroom.  This includes, but is not limited to:  Turning off all electronic devices before coming to class (which includes: Cell phones, blackberries, PDAs, computers, etc.), not talking with others during class, not reading newspapers or other materials during class, not eating during class, etc., etc.  Come to class ready to participate and pay attention and remember that your fellow students are trying to do the same.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism, especially from the Web, is of particular concern.  Anything you copy directly or paraphrase from another source, whether that source be electronic, paper, or flesh and blood, that source must be cited.  If you have any questions or doubts in a particular case I would be more than happy to discuss that case with you and to clarify what counts as a violation of academic integrity

University Policies:

Academic regulations and procedures are governed by University policy.  Academic dishonesty cases will be handled in accordance the University's policies.  

If you have a disability that could affect your performance in this class or that requires an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please see me as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate arrangements.  The Affirmative Action Office has asked that you be made aware of the following:

Michigan Tech complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for equal access to education or services at Michigan Tech, please call the Dean of Students Office, at 487-2212. For other concerns about discrimination, you may contact your advisor, department head or the Affirmative Action Office, at 487-3310

Academic Integrity: http://www.studentaffairs.mtu.edu/dean/judicial/policies/academic_integrity.html

Affirmative Action: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/aao/

Disability Services: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/studenthandbook/student_services.html#disability

Course Itinerary:

September       2nd      Introductions/Syllabus

                       4th     Are ethical principles relative?

                       9th     Should one be moral? Plato's Republic (1^st selection)

                       11th    Should on be moral? Plato's Republic (continued)

                       18th     First class debate, The ethics of business

                   23rd    What is it to be moral?  Mill, Utilitarianism (Link includes Kant, The Metaphysics of Morals/R.M. Hare)  

                   25th      Kant, The  Metaphysics of Morals/R.M. Hare (reading is in previous link)

                        30th    What is it to be moral?  Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

                        9th      What is the best form of government?  Plato, Republic

            6th       Fourth class presentation, Science: Myth-maker or fact-finder?  What is the nature of science?

                        11th      Fourth class debate, The nature of science and its role in society

                        18th      Finish teleological argument (Paley), begin cosmological argument (Aquinas) (both readings in previous link)
   
                        20th      Finish cosmological argument (Aquinas)

                        27th     Thanksgiving Break