Introduction to Philosophy
PI 225 MB  --  Spring 1999
2:00-2:50 MWF

INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Ted Toadvine, 411P Plumb Hall
Phone: 341-5566 (office); 341-5462 (dept)
Email: toadvint@emporia.edu
Office Hours: MWF 1:00 - 2:00; T 2:00 - 4:00; and by appointment


TEXT:
Traversing Philosophical Boundaries, Max Hallman, ed. (Wadsworth, 1998).

COURSE GOALS AND TOPICS:
The main objective of this course is to introduce you to philosophical ways of thinking and train you to think and write critically about philosophical issues. In addition, the course will introduce you to a wide range of historical and contemporary perspectives on perennial philosophical questions: what is the nature of the self? What is the nature of reality? How can I know what is right? What is the nature of religious belief? Unlike courses which place emphasis on transmitting content to be memorized, this course invites you to reflect on the significance and meaning of your own life, and the role philosophical reflection may play in it.

This course satisfies the General Education requirement in Literature and Ideas (Basic Skills VI) for certain majors and is a Multicultural Intensive Course.
 


COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:
Your final grade will be determined as follows:

6 quizzes @ 5% each   =                   30%
4 in-class exams @ 17.5% each  =    70%
                                                         -----
                                                        100%

Quizzes, based on assigned readings and previous class discussions, will be unannounced. These brief, open-book quizzes at the beginning of class are to insure preparation for class discussion. Passing quizzes will require that you CAREFULLY read all assignments on time and attend class. Makeup quizzes will not be given for those who arrive late for class. Exams, including the non-cumulative final, will include an "objective" (true/false, multiple choice, short answer) and an essay component. You will need to bring blue books with you for the final exam.

You will be expected to attend class and to come prepared to discuss assigned material. Missing three classes will result in a full grade reduction. In the event of an absence when a quiz is given or an essay is due, you must notify me in advance of the absence or if there is an emergency as soon as possible after the emergency. If you miss because of an emergency, I expect you to document it. No make-ups will be given otherwise.

Academic dishonest of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes plagiarism, the paraphrase or quotation of any published or unpublished source without full and clear acknowledgement. The university policy regarding academic dishonest, as explained in the Student Handbook (p. 37), will be strictly enforced.

For help answering essay questions on exams, please read the Appendix in Hallman, "Writing Philosophically" (665-684). Further assistance is available from the Writing Center, 345 Southeast Morse Hall. You can check the Writing Center hours or ask grammar and writing questions by calling the Grammar Hotline, 341-5380. If you anticipate trouble with your writing, please consult with the Writing Center or myself as soon as possible during the semester. Students having trouble with writing fundamentals may be required to seek assistance from the Writing Center as a condition for continuing in the course.

If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations or emergency evacuation, please contact me as soon as possible.


OFFICE HOURS:
As listed above, my office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:00 to 2:00, and Tuesday, 2:00 to 4:00. I will be spending these hours in my office for the sole purpose of being available for your questions. If these times are not convenient for you, and there is something you need to discuss with me, please ask to make an appointment. Messages can be left with the Social Sciences secretary (PH 411) at 341-5462. You are also welcome to address inquiries to me via email at toadvint@emporia.edu.

COURSE SCHEDULE:

WEEK 1 (1/13-1/15):  Introduction to course: requirements, syllabus
                                    "Introduction," Hallman (xvii-xxiii)

 Self-Identity: Soul and Society

                                    Problems of Self and Identity (1-4)
                                    The Upanishads and Buddhist scriptures (4-13)

WEEK 2 (1/18-1/22):  MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY (Monday, 1/18)
                                     Hume, Schopenhauer, Borges (13-24)

WEEK 3 (1/25-1/29):  Plato, Descartes, Spelman (24-57)
 
WEEK 4 (2/1-2/5):  Sartre, Mead, Beauvoir (85-108)
 
WEEK 5 (2/8-2/12):  Zack (108-115)
                                    TEST 1: Wednesday, 2/10

 Metaphysics: Creation and Reality

                                    Creation & Reality (117-119)
                                    The Boshongo and the Upanishads (119-123)

WEEK 6 (2/15-2/19):  The Bible, the Cherokee, Darwin, Plato (123-147)

WEEK 7 (2/22-2/26):  Lao-Tzu, Wang Chung, Lucretius (147-163)

WEEK 8 (3/1-3/5):  Leibniz, Bergson, Nishida (164-182)

WEEK 9 (3/8-3/12):  TEST 2: Monday, 3/8
 
 Ethics: Values and Responsibility

                                    Introduction to Ethics (293-7)
                                    Aristotle and Mencius (297-308)

WEEK 10 (3/15-3/19): Kant (308-317), Bentham (325-329), Schweitzer (336-341)

                                    SPRING BREAK: 3/22 - 3/28
 
WEEK 11 (3/29-4/2): Royce, Jain scriptures, Eagle Man (341-355)
                                    HOLIDAY (Friday, April 2)

WEEK 12 (4/5-4/9):  Gilligan (366-371) and Hospers (383-392)
                                  TEST 3: Friday, 4/9.

 Religion: Faith and Reason

WEEK 13 (4/12-4/16): Introduction to Religion (539-542)
                                    Augustine, Black Elk (543-555), Buber (562-567)

WEEK 14 (4/19-4/23): King (568-579), Starhawk (589-595), Christ (603-613)

WEEK 15 (4/26-4/30): Whitehead, Wiredu, Wisdom (613-644)

WEEK 16 (5/3-5/7):  Lin and Russell (644-664)

FINAL EXAM: Monday 5/10, 1:00 - 2:50
 

This page created by Ted Toadvine
Last updated 7 December 1998