Department of Management Sciences

Imperial College of Business Studies

Course Title: Introduction to Philosophy

Credit Hour: 03
Batch: Morning
Semester:

COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this basic orientation the student explores, compares, analyzes, evaluates and discusses a
variety of the principle questions addressed in philosophy. Typical questions examined are: What
is the purpose of my existence? Can I know anything with certainty? Do I really have a free will?
Can we prove that God exists? Why should I be moral? Whose self-interest counts?, etc. Issues
covered will encompass relevant philosophical perspectives from Western and other major world
cultures, and includes contributions of women and minority cultures to the realm of philosophy.

The student who successfully completes this course will demonstrate the ability to:
 Communicate the main ideas, persons, and events that have shaped Western Philosophy.
 Show evidence of familiarity with major divisions and problems of philosophy.
 Use the big ideas of major philosophers to converse knowledgably with other academic
disciplines.
 Apply the methods and content of philosophy to contemporary ideas and issues.
 Think, read, and write critically.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will be able to: 1. Describe and distinguish key philosophical concepts in the main
subfields of philosophy, including concepts such as free will, mind, knowledge, belief, reality,
faith, reason, good, etc. 2. Read and comprehend philosophical texts, both classical and
contemporary. 3. Discuss core philosophical problems, such as whether there is a god, what does
it mean to be conscious, are we free to make choices, what is justice, etc. 4. Explain and defend a
position on basic philosophical problems. 5. Write clear and concise explanations and arguments
about basic philosophical problems.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

 Mid Term 30%

 Final Term 40%
 Attendance 10%
 Quizzes 05%
 Project & Presentation 15%

ATTENDANCE POLICY
 Students should maintain 80% attendance to qualify for final term examination.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS & SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS
Murphy, Courtney H., Philosophy Matters: Understanding Our Selves and Our World
(Latest Edition).

Supplemetry Readings
 The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy, by Steven B. Cowan and James S.
Spiegel. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, (Latest Edition). ISBN: 9781579101985.
 Apology, by Plato
 Allegory of the Cave (from Plato’s Republic, Book VII)

PROJECT/ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
The project detail will be discussed in the class.

LECTURE PLAN

Week Topics Activity

1  Introduction to Course Class
 Prolegomena to the Study of Philosophy Participation
 Ancient Philosophy
2  Truth or Truthiness? Class
 Worldview Participation
 Epistemology
 Rationalism, Empiricism, Phenomenology
3  Reasoning Assignment
 Logic
 Critical Thinking
 Postmodernism
4  Movie Assignment/ Presentations Presentations
5  Rhetoric – The Utility of Truth Class
Plato’s Apology & Allegory of the Cave Participation
6  Natural Philosophy Class
 Science, Scientism, and Sciency Things Participation
7  Anthropology Class
Participation
MID TERM EXAM
9  Metaphysics & Ontology Class
Participation
10  Philosophy of Religion Class
Participation
11  Axiology, Ethics, & Moral Philosophy Class
Participation
12  Aesthetics Quiz
13  Political Philosophy Class
Participation
14  Political Philosophy Class
Participation
15 Final Term Project Presentation Presentations
COURSE REVISION & FINAL TERM EXAM

End of Document……..