Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL 2100 – Honors

Professor Donohoe

Spring 2005

1. Learning Outcomes: The aim of this course is to examine critically the major philosophical theories of the ancient and medieval periods of history. We will examine important primary philosophical texts; explore metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions and how they have changed through the centuries. By the end of the semester each students will be able to:

• Analyze and critically outline philosophical positions.
• Identify philosophical positions of several historical philosophers.
• Explain some of the major differences and similarities between philosophical positions.
• Exhibit a familiarity with at least three philosophical theories and identify them as epistemological, metaphysical, or ethical.

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 fivefold.

a) attendance and class participation 10%

b) 5 response papers on texts (600 word minimum) 20%

c) in-class midterm exam 20%

d) one 1500-2000 word paper 25%

e) in-class final exam 25%

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. Papers absolutely will not be accepted after the due date unless you have discussed it with me prior to the due date.

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: M, W, F 9:00-11:00am

office: TLC 2250

phone: 678-839-4743

e-mail: jdonohoe@westga.edu

4. Book List: The books listed below should be available in the book store. Anything not listed here will be placed on reserve in the library.

Plato The Trial and Death of Socrates

Plato The Republic

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics

Boethius The Consolation of Philosophy

Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy

Kant Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals

Nietzsche On the Genealogy of Morals

Camus The Fall
January

10 Introduction to philosophy in general: What is philosophy?

12 Plato The Apology (1st response paper due)

14 The Apology

17 MLK Day—No Classes

19 The Apology

21 Plato The Republic Book VI

24 The Republic Book VI

26 MLK Day--No Classes!

28 Republic Book VII

31 Republic Book VII

February

2 Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Book I (2nd response paper due)

4 Nicomachean Ethics Book I

7 Nicomachean Ethics Book II

9 Nicomachean Ethics Book II

11 Nicomachean Ethics Book VIII

14 Nicomachean Ethics Book VIII

16 Nicomachean Ethics

18 Boethius Consolation of Philosophy Book I

21 Consolation of Philosophy Book I&II

23 Consolation of Philosophy Book II&III

25 Consolation of Philosophy Book III&IV

28 Consolation of Philosophy Book IV&V

March

2 Midterm Exam

4 Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy (3rd response paper due)

7 Meditations I&II

9 Meditations II

11 Meditations III

14 Meditations III

16 Kant Grounding of the Metaphysics of Morals (4th response paper due)

18 Grounding Section I

21-25 Spring Break

28 Grounding Section I (Paper topics due)

30 Grounding Section II

April

1 Grounding Section II

4 Nietzsche On the Genealogy of Morals (5^th response paper due)

6 Genealogy

8 Genealogy

11 Genealogy

13 Genealogy

15 Camus The Fall

18 The Fall

20 The Fall

22 The Fall (paper due)

25 The Fall

27 The Fall

29 The Fall

May

2 Review

Final Exam will be scheduled during finals week.