PHH 2000.009

Introduction to Philosophy

Course Syllabus

Monday/Wednesday 2:00-3:15

Instructor: Jocelynn Jurkovich e-mail: jjurkovi@luna.cas.usf.edu

Office: FAO 238 and SVC 2037 phone: 974-8115

Hours: Wednesday 1:00-2:00, and by appointment

Course Description and Objectives: The main goal of this course is to introduce students to many of the major questions philosophers have faced throughout time. Responses from a variety of figures (both ‘canonical’/historical and contemporary ones) will be examined, and students will be strongly encouraged to add their own voices to the discussion. The questions and texts we cover are as relevant to our time and lives as they were in antiquity. Hopefully students will gain a more critical understanding of themselves, the world, and the lives they lead. Finally, this course seeks to prepare students for further study in the discipline of philosophy.

Final grades will be determined by three basic elements of the class: class participation, papers, and exams.

** A note on late papers: except in extreme circumstances (see note pertaining to makeup exams), papers will not be accepted if submitted more than four days past the due date, and will be docked one letter grade for each day it is late. A paper not turned in at the beginning of class time on the day it is due is late. In other words, don’t come to class late (or miss class altogether) in order to finish a paper. If the paper is not finished by class time, it is best to come to class without it and get the paper to me as soon as possible after class is over.

** A note on makeup exams: except in extreme circumstances, makeup exams will not be administered. If such circumstances arise, arrangements must be made with me in advance of the exam to take it at a later date.

• Philosophy is fundamentally about questions and the search for answers. This search is perhaps best conducted in dialogue format. It is crucial that people are respectful of each other during the discussions. Everyone does not need to agree, but you can (and will) learn from one another if you are open to understanding different perspectives. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will result in a loss of class participation points.
• Plagiarism, cheating, or any other type of dishonest behavior will not be tolerated. Please take great pains to insure that when representing ideas that are not your own to clearly CITE YOUR SOURCES!! This includes major figures, parents, friends, professors, etc. Misrepresenting someone else’s ideas or work as your own (whether in a paper, exam, or in class assignment) will result in an F on the assignment, and has the possibility of further disciplinary action by the University.
• What if school is closed on a class day? Obviously, if school is closed for a hurricane or other catastrophic event, we will not be able to hold class. If it is a day when a paper is due or exam is to be held, it is your responsibility to contact me for instructions. In such an instance, I will send out an e-mail with instructions and schedule adjustments, but if I do not have your correct address or you do not receive the message, you must contact me. Usually, papers will be due the next day school is open to my box or may be e-mailed to me (in Word or Works format). Exams will be rescheduled for the next class period and the schedule adjusted accordingly.

A+ = 97-100; A = 93-96; A- = 90-92; B+ = 87-89; B = 83-86; B- = 80-82;

C+ = 77-79; C = 73-76; C- = 70-72; D+ = 67-69; D = 63-66; D- = 60-62; F = 59 & below

August 28 introductions – syllabus, overview of course, etc.

30. What is Philosophy? – Introduction

September 4 Labor Day – No Classes

6 Metaphysics – Chapter 8

11 Metaphysics continued

13 Challenges to Metaphysics – Chapter 9

18. Epistemology – Chapter 10

20 Epistemology continued

25 Challenges to Epistemology – Chapter 11

27 Objectivity vs Subjectivity – Chapter 12

October 2 Exam #1

4 The Mind/Body Problem – Chapter 4

9 Identity – Chapter 5

11 Shaping Identity – Chapter 6

16 Language – Chapter 7

18 Standpoint Theory – Chapter 13

23 Ethics – Chapter 14

25 Ethics continued

30. Morality – Chapter 15

November 1 PAPER #1 DUE; Free or Determined? – Chapter 1

6 Freedom and Society – Chapter 2

8 Political Theory – Chapter 16

13 Political Theory continued

15 Challenges to Political Theory – Chapter 17

20 Exam #2

22 God – Chapter 18

27 Evil – Chapter 19

29 Challenges to God – Chapter 20

December 4 Living Life – Chapter 21

6 wrap up, course evaluations, etc.

13. PAPER #2 Due by 2:00 p.m. to my box