INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Monday/Wednesday 1:00 - 2:15

Dr. Jeffrey White

OFFICE HOURS:

open office hours - M/F 2:30 - 4:00

possibly by appointment - M/F 9:00 - 1:00, and 5:30 - 7:00

SUMMARY:

The purpose of this class is to empower students to reason critically about the huge
amount of information available from various resources today.

This class will begin by reviewing traditional philosophical concepts like truth, knowledge,
causation, existence and the self - What do these things mean to us, now?

Then, we will study some models from the history of philosophy that will increase our
understanding of these concepts.

We will then build on these models and concepts though a review of some key moments
in the evolution of Western philosophy.

We will then apply these models in the interpretation of current information on

contemporary issues. At that time, we will ask some deep philosophical questions about
the world in terms of which we all live. These questions might include:

Is this information "good" information? What does this information really mean? What is
the purpose of this information? In terms of what narrative/informational "bubble" is this
information most consistent? Does this information contribute to a meaningful life in a
just world?

GRADING:

Attendance is very important - 30 points

Quizzes. There will be scheduled AND surprise quizzes - 30 points

MidTerm and Final projects/exams - 40 points

Extra credit is based on attendance - up to 5 points

NOTES:

*Attendance is VERY important in this class.

*The class schedule might change. SO, attendance is VERY important!

*We will have surprise ("pop") quizzes. SO, attendance is VERY important!

*I will distribute ALL reading assignments via email and in class. ALL reading
assignments can be easily found in Korean and other languages, also. You will NOT
need to buy a book.

*Points will NOT be deducted for poor English skills. English language proficiency is NOT
the focus of this class, but class materials WILL enhance your abilities to read, speak,
and especially THINK in English. Points will not be deducted for mistakes in grammar,
spelling, or pronunciation. However, class participation IS important. If you cannot
easily express your thoughts in English, then simply raise your hand and express your
thoughts in Korean, and we will ask another student to help in translating for the rest of
the class. No problem!

*Every class, there will be a chance for extra credit. In order to get extra credit points,
you must come to class with a discussion topic or question about the week's assignment
PREPARED, written or printed on a piece of paper, and you must give this paper to me
BEFORE the class begins. IF the question/topic adds to the value of the class, then you
MIGHT receive on bonus point for that day, added to your total score. A maximum of 5
class percentage points can be gained through this class participation. Results will be
computed at the end of the term. I will describe this process in greater detail during the
first class lecture.

*Every day, I will write notes on the white-board. You are encouraged to copy these
notes, take photos of the white board, or otherwise record the material - video recording
is not recommended, however. (It takes too long to watch again! But, if you really do
want to video record the classes, then we can talk about that…) ALL quiz and exam
questions will come from these white board notes.

*The MidTerm and the Final will consist of both an exam and a presentation/project.
You should submit your idea for your Final project at the MidTerm due date. Final
projects/presentations will be due during the first two weeks of December. The Final
exam will be due at the end of Finals week.

9/5 Introductions - Defining core philosophical concepts.

9/7 Plato's allegory of the cave.

YouTube video assignment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=LTWwY8Ok5I0&feature=related

9/12 Models for thought - causation and the syllogism - Aristotle part 1

9/14 Models for thought - epistemology - coherence, foundations, graphical

representations

9/19 and 9/21 Models for thought - vectors and the good

Short reading assignment from Plato's Euthyphro

YouTube video assignments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSHHXqjXCV4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgGB4Oxs5VU&feature=related

9/26 Models for thought - truth and "bubbles" - Lorenzo Magnani

9/28 Discussion and Quiz over first four weeks.

10/5 Discussion topic - truth and violence

MidTerm assignment given.

10/10 and 10/12 Models for thought - thought experiments and personal identity

YouTube video assignment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdxucpPq6Lc

10/17 Models for thought - human purpose and nature - Aristotle part 2

Short reading assignment - Metaphysics

10/19 Truth and information - justice and poetry

Short reading assignment from Plato's Republic

10/24 Models for thought - forms of government - Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Rousseau,
and Smith - comparisons

10/26 Discussion on topic from 10/24 and Quiz over second four weeks.

10/31 Heidegger's ontology - truth, mortality and authenticity

MidTerm assignment due

11/2 Wittgenstein's structure of reality - logical frameworks

11/7 Hegel's model for the progression of history - experience

11/9 Models for thought - narrative, identity, and truth - What is information?

11/14 Special topic - freedom and freewill

11/16 Philosophy and self-determination - QUIZ!

11/21 Applications of models to contemporary issues

11/23 Applications of models to contemporary issues

11/26 Applications of models to contemporary issues

11/30 Applications of models to contemporary issues

12/5 Review - Final projects scheduling

12/7 Reserved

12/12 Reserved

12/14 Reserved

FINAL EXAM WEEK