Dr. Shannon Kincaid's PHI-101 Course Page
Introduction to Philosophy
(Course # PHI 101 - 3 credit hrs)
Catalogue Description
Fundamental philosophical problems presented through the study of several major philosophical writings, such as those of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Hume, Mill, and Whitehead.
Course Description
This course is designed as an introduction to the philosophical approaches to questions concerning the nature of knowledge, existence, and human values. Through the use of classical and contemporary texts, students will be introduced to some of the major theoretical approaches to epistemology, metaphysics, ontology, and axiology. Students will also develop their capacity to analyze abstract concepts, to think critically about philosophic problems, and to write clearly.
General Course Objectives
Communicate effectively through reading, writing, listening and speaking
Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions
Differentiate and make informed decisions about issues based on multiple value systems
“Flexible Core” Objectives
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Students will understand philosophical texts effectively through readings in the textbook and ancillary documents and articles on a diversity of philosophical perspectives |
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Students will critically evaluate philosophical theories |
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Students will construct written essays, responses, and/or papers demonstrating the use of evidence-based information in drawing conclusions about issues in philosophy. |
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Students will identify the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy and how these can be used to better understand the relationship between the individual and society. |
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Students will demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate use of philosophical methods in analyzing different ethical perspectives. |
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Students will identify the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy and how these can be used to better understand the relationship between the individual and society. |
Required Textbooks and Readings
Abel, Donald C. 2007. Fifty Readings in Philosophy (Fourth Edition). New York:
McGraw Hill.
Course Requirements Total Possible Points
1 Midterm Examination 25
1 Final Examination 25
1 Journal (6-8 entries) 10
1 Term Paper (6-10 pages) 30
Attendance and Class Participation 10
100 Points
Polices on Grading and Attendance
Attendance is MANDATORY. Each unexcused absence (after 2) will be assigned a five percent reduction in the overall course grade.
Please be punctual, as excessive lateness will be penalized. Every two “latenesses” will be counted as one absence. Also, any student who is more than 15 minutes late for class will be not receive credit for that day’s attendance.
There will be NO late assignments accepted without a written excuse.
Readings MUST be completed prior to class. The instructor reserves the right to conduct periodic checks (including random checks of individual preparedness, as well as short, unannounced quizzes) to ensure required readings are completed on time.
Cheating and plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. Students submitting plagiarized materials will receive a score of zero for the assignment, with additional penalties assigned at the instructor’s discretion.
Students are expected to participate in classroom discussions and debates. Failure to do so will result in grade reductions assigned at my discretion.
Disruptive behavior (lateness, lack of respect for other students and their ideas, cell-phone use, text-messaging, failure to follow basic rules of classroom etiquette, etc.) will NOT be tolerated.
Course Outline
I. Course Introduction
a. What is Philosophy?
b. Argumentation and Logic.
c. Relativism, Culture, and Philosophy.
II. Epistemology
a. How Do We Know?
b. Theories of Knowledge: Idealism, Rationalism, Empiricism, Pragmatism, and
Feminism.
III. Metaphysics
a. What is the Nature of Reality?
b. The Existence of G-d.
c. Philosophy of Mind
IV. Axiology
a. Theories of Ethics
1. Deontological Ethics
2. Consequentialism
3. Virtue Ethics
b. Critiques of Traditional Ethical Theories
1. Feminism, Pragmatism, and Relativism Revisited.
c. Foundations of Social and Political Philosophy
Statement on Students with Disabilities
Any student who feels that he/she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact the office of Services for Students with Disabilities in Science Building, room 132 (718 631 6257) to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
