PHIL 110 C - INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

MWF 1:25-2:20 AM Bert Beynen

Room 2-10 gkbeynen@dmacc.edu, Tel: 965-7066(w)/255-4844

Summary: The first part of the course deals with the main philosophical theories about reality: Does God exist? Is there a reality? What is it made of? How can we know reality? Are some facts about reality always true? Can we state that some facts always follow from others? In the second part our self and identity are discussed: first the idea of identity is discussed, and then the question of whether we are free to do what we want. Then we discuss on what bases we can decide that our actions are right or wrong. We associate with others in governments, and we will discuss whether we can state that some forms of government are better than others. After Western Philosophy we discuss briefly alternative philosophies. Finally, we discuss whether we can state that some things are beautiful.

Attendance: You may miss ONE class period because of whatever reason. After that, missing a quizzz or exam results in an F for that exam or quizz. Exams cover only the material after the previous exam. Legitimately missed quizzes and exams can be taken in Room 6-20B. The Midterm and Final can be made-up only with a WRITTEN medical excuse note. Classes MAY end (open book & notes) with a quizz. Exams have identification, definition, and essay questions. The final exam has a question about your book report.

Book Report: Topic and outline due 2/20; 3 page report: 4/3.

Grading: Quizzes: 10%; class participation (an A for any reasonable question or answer; an F for non-class related talking): 10%: book report: 20%, 3 exams: 20% each.

Disabilities coordinator: 964-6850 (voice) & 964-6810 (TTY).

Textbook: Robert C. Solomon, The Big Questions, sixth edition; Forth Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publisher, 2002.

Assignments:

1/12: pp. 3-15; 1/14: 17-28;

1/16: appendices II and III, pp. 395-405; 1/21: 31-41;

1/23: 42-46; 1/26: 49-61; 1/28: 61-70; 1/30: 74-81; 2/2: 82-91; 2/4: 91-96; 2/6: 96-103; 2/9: 103-111; 2/11: 115-122;

2/13: 122-129; 2/16: 129-137; 2/18: 137-145; 2/20: 145-152;

2/23: 155-164; 2/25: 164-171 - SUMMARY DUE; 2/27: 172-180;

3/1: 180-190; 3/3: FIRST EXAM; 3/8: 193-199; 3/10: 200-208;

3/12: 208-217; 3/22: 217-226; 3/24: 229-235; 3/26: 235-243;

3/29: 243-254; 3/31: 257-265; 4/2: 265-273; 4/5: 273-282;

4/7: 282-291, REPORT DUE; 4/9: 293-302; 4/12: 303-308;

4/14: 308-315; 4/16: SECOND EXAM; 4/19: 319-328; 4/21: 329-338; 4/23: 339-344; 4/26: 345-354; 4/28: 357-363; 4/30: 363-367;

5/3: 367-371

5/5: 2:30-4:45 PM: FINAL = THIRD EXAM.