INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

Course title : Introduction to Western Philosophy

Credit hours : 3 credits
Course code : TBC

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This class is an introduction to Western philosophy. In the introductory spirit, we will

cover a lot of territory without going into depth in any area. Every topic we will cover
is actively investigated by many philosophers (but not only philosophers) working
today. Most of these questions have interested in philosophers for literally thousands
of years, going back to Plato and beyond. From the course, you will take with you a
wide range of views on many of the most important and interesting topics in modern
philosophy, and the primary strengths and weaknesses of these views. The course is
meant to be interesting and informative in its own right, and is also well-suited for
those who want to know which if any philosophical topics they would like to study in
more depth.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Philosophy is one of the principal forces that have shaped Western civilization and
history. A basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of philosophy
affords a deeper understanding of ourselves and an informed grasp of the present. In
addition, critical thinking skills are central to the methods of philosophy. Therefore,
the study of philosophy provides an excellent opportunity to learn and practice those
skills in a focused way.

By the end of the semester, each student will be able to

 Understand the distinctions among epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics as
comprising basic branches of the discipline;
 Recognize how philosophical inquiry applies to ‘real-world’ circumstances and
to individual reflection on the meaning of life;
 Become conversant with the history of Western philosophy in particular,
including such significant developments as idealism, rationalism, pragmatism,
and existentialism;
 Recognize and define different world views, adopting a reasonably viable one
and justifying it in a philosophically informed way;
  Demonstrate the ability to discuss in both oral and written discourse the
philosophical issues explored in the course.

These course-specific learning outcomes contribute to the departmental learning

outcomes of the Philosophy Program by enabling students better to:
 Discuss the general historical development of the discipline of philosophy and
selected major historical figures in philosophy
 Ask philosophical questions incorporate philosophical positions in oral and
written communications

COURSE MATERIALS

Required text: Quest For Truth; 8th edition (6th or 7th ed. are okay); Editor: Louis
Pojman & Lewis Vaughn; Publisher: Oxford University Press
Preferred/Supplemental text: Looking at Philosophy; 6th edition (5th ed. is okay);
Donald Palmer; Publisher: McGraw-Hill Company, Inc.
In-class cases and exercises. Unless otherwise noted, copies of these materials will be
provided in class.

COURSE CONTENT

Topic Content
1 Introduction; Pre-Socratics; Sophists; Socrates; Plato
2 Socratic Wisdom & Platonic/Neoplatonic Philosophy
3 Logic, Part I
4 Epicureanism - Epicurus
Stoicism - Epictetus
Introduction to Medieval Philosophy; St Augustine
5 Ontological Argument - St. Anselm
Cosmological Argument - St. Thomas Aquinas
Teleological Argument - Paley
The Wager (Practical Argument) - Pascal
6 Introduction to Epistemology
Rationalism & Dualism - Descartes
Exorcising the Ghost In The Machine - Ryle
7 Empiricism - Locke
Empiricism/Idealism - Berkeley
Empiricism/Skepticism - Hume
 8 Skepticism - Hospers
Midterm Exam
9 Correspondence Theory of Truth - Russell
Pragmatic Theory of Truth - James
10 Defense of Dualism - Moreland
What Is It Like To Be A Bat? - Nagel
Minds, Brains, & Computers - Searle
11 Personal Identity - Locke & Hume
Buddhist Philosophy - Questions to King Milinda
12 Immortality of the Soul - Plato
Mortality of the Soul - Edwards
Determinism - d'Holbach
13 Media Presentation: Continental Philosophy
Online Presentation - Logic, Part II
14 Free Will - Lamont & Sartre
Existentialist Philosophy - Nietzsche, Sartre, & Heidegger
15 Political Philosophy - Wolff, Hobbes, Locke, & Mill

COURSE ASSESSMENT

3 Written Summations and Responses (SRs) 45%

Oral Participation and Quizzes 10%
Mid-Session Exam 15%
Final Exam (comprehensive) 30%