PHH 2000:001
Semester I 2000-2001
Mr. Silver
INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Plato (427-347 B.C.), The Trial and Death of Socrates
Epicurus, (341-271 B.C.), Epicurus Reader.
Epictetus (c. 60-117 A.D.), Encheiridion (Handbook)
Descartes (1596-1650), Meditations on First Philosophy
David Hume (1711-76), An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
Kant (1724-1804), Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals
Mill (1806-73), On Liberty
Kierkegaard (1813-55), Fear and Trembling.
Readings and Examinations:
8/29: Introductory Meeting: Scope and Limits of the Course & Some Historical and Cultural Background for Reading Plato & Plato's Socrates.
8/31-9/12: Plato, The Trial and Death of Socrates.
9/14-19: Epicurus, Epicurus Reader.
9/21-26: Epictetus, Encheiridion.
9/28-10/3: Descartes, Meditations I & II.
10/5-10: Descartes, Meditations III & IV.
10/12-17: Descartes, Meditations V & VI.
10/19: Midterm Examination.
10/24-26: Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, I-V.
10/31-11/2: Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, VII- IX.
11/7: Hume, AN Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, X.
11/9-14: Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Preface & I.
11/16-21: Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, II.
11/23: Thanksgiving Holiday.
11/29-30: Kierkegaard, Fear and Trembling.
12/5-7: Mill, On Liberty.
12/14: Final Examination (3:30-5:30).
Critical Paper:
Every student seeking academic credit for this Gordon Rule course is required to submit one critical paper (12-14 pages) on an assigned topic. Each paper must be typed or computer-printed and double-spaced. Specific information on assigned topics and due-dates is included on the sheet attached to this syllabus.
Computation of a Course Grade:
1. First Examination = 15%
2. Final Examination = 25%
3. Critical Paper = 50%
4. Three Unannounced Quizzes = 10%
Course Objective:
The principal aim of this course is to introduce undergraduate students to some of the dominant traditions, issues, problems and thinkers in Western philosophy and philosophical literature.
Office and Office Hours:
FAO 233
T 9:30-10:30, Th 2:00-3:00
Phone 813-974-5405
E-mail bsilver@chuma1.cas.usf.edu
August 29, 2000
TO: Students enrolled in PHH 2000:001, semester I, 2000
FROM: B. Silver
RE: An error on the syllabus
There is an error on page 2 of the syllabus for this course. The footnote announces that attendance is mandatory; it is not. I do not take roll but do expect students to come to class. Moreover, attending class more often than not obviously makes it likely that students will be present when I give unannounced quizzes.