Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL 2010 Sec. 01

Dr. Janet Donohoe

Spring 2012

 

1.  Learning Outcomes:  The aim of this course is to examine the major questions that have driven philosophers throughout history.  We will address these questions through reading, writing about, and discussing primary philosophical texts.  By the end of the semester students will be able to:

 

2. Requirements:  To achieve the above goals will require a new way of reading and thinking.  We will not just read the texts, but we will question and challenge the texts thereby questioning and challenging our own beliefs and thought processes.  The requirements for the class are fourfold.

 

            a)  attendance and class participation                                       10%

            b)  Pop quizzes over assigned reading                                     30%

            c)  Midterm exam                                                                    30%

            d)  in-class final exam                                                             30%

 

In order to meet these requirements it will be necessary to attend class regularly and to do the assigned reading.  It will be evident if you have not done the reading and this will not be beneficial to your success in this class.  Quizzes absolutely cannot be made up regardless of the reason for missing a quiz.  Six quizzes will be counted in determining the overall quiz grade but there will be many more quizzes given in the course of the semester.

 

Laptop computers may not be used in the classroom unless requested by student development.  Cell phones must be turned off in the classroom.

 

3.  Availability:  I am available outside of class during office hours, or by appointment.  If there are questions or problems do not hesitate to see me. 

Hours:  MWF 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., MF 12:00 noon-1:00 p.m.

Office:  TLC 2230

Phone:  678-839-4743

e-mail:  jdonohoe@westga.edu

 

4.  Book List:  The books listed below should be available in the book store.

            Plato                The Trial and Death of Socrates

            Plato                The Republic

            Aristotle           Nicomachean Ethics

            Boethius          On the Consolation of Philosophy

            Descartes         Meditations on First Philosophy

            Nietzsche         On the Genealogy of Morals

Camus             The Fall


Calendar

January

1/9                   Introduction to philosophy in general:  What is philosophy?

1/11                 Introduction distinction between philosophy and sophistry

1/13                 Plato    Apology in The Trial and Death of Socrates

1/16                 MLK Day—No Classes

1/18                 Apology

1/20                 Apology

1/23                 Plato    The Republic Book VI

1/25                 The Republic Book VI

1/27                 The Republic Book VII 

1/30                 Republic Book VII

February

2/1                   Aristotle           Nicomachean Ethics  Book I

2/3                   Nicomachean Ethics  Book I

2/6                   Nicomachean Ethics  Book II

2/8                   Nicomachean Ethics  Book II

2/10                 Boethius          Consolation of Philosophy Ch. 1

2/13                 Consolation Ch. 1 & 2

2/15                 Consolation Ch. 2& 3

2/17                 Consolation Ch. 3 & 4

2/20                 Consolation Ch. 4 & 5

2/22                 Consolation Conclusion

2/24                 MIDTERM EXAM

2/27                 Descartes         Meditations I

2/29                 Meditations II 

March

3/2                   Meditations II  (Last day to withdraw with grade of W)

3/5                   Meditations III

3/7                   Meditations III

3/9                   Meditations III

3/12                 Nietzsche         On the Genealogy of Morals Essay 1

3/14                 Genealogy of Morals Essay 1

3/16                 Genealogy of Morals Essay 1

3/19-3/23         Spring Break

3/26                 Genealogy of Morals Essay 2

3/28                 Genealogy of Morals Essay 2

3/30                 Genealogy of Morals Essay 2

April

4/2                   Camus The Fall Chapters 1-2

4/4                   The Fall Chapters 1-2

4/6                   The Fall Chapters 3-4

4/9                   The Fall Chapters 3-4

4/11                 The Fall Chapters 4-5

4/13                 The Fall Chapters 4-5

4/16                 The Fall Conclusion

4/18                 Concluding discussion of course themes

4/20                 Concluding discussion/review session

 

Final exam is Wednesday, April 25, 8:00-10:00 am.