PHL 201 Introduction to Philosophy

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Uses reflective and critical reading, thinking, writing, and discussion to explore the methods and ideas of ancient and modern philosophy. Focuses on the nature of reality, free will, determinism, the existence of God, knowledge, Ethics, the nature of personhood, and whether or not there is a meaning in life. Features such important figures as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, James, and Sartre. Prepares students for other classes in Philosophy and Religion.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Recommended: Placement into WR 121Z (or higher), or completion of WR 115 (or higher) with a grade of C or better.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Conduct close, critical readings of difficult philosophical texts.
Critically appreciate and be able to articulate competing theories of the nature of reality, free will, determinism, God, knowledge, ethics, and personhood.
Assess the cogency of arguments in general, and especially, of arguments in philosophy.
Develop and articulate a reasonably coherent and well-supported personal worldview.
Use Philosophy to better understand and address personal, social, and political problems.
Use various forms of written and verbal discussion to articulate understanding and practical application of various aspects of Philosophy.
Write coherent essays using textual support, documentation (where applicable), and standard grammar/mechanics.
Thoughtfully and respectfully engage those who hold a different philosophical worldview.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life.
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Content Outline

Introduction to Philosophy
- Philosophy defined
- Worldview defined
- Philosophical questions
- Philosophical thinking
- Socrates’ method and life
- Conduct
  - Engage diverse perspectives with thoughtfulness and respect
  - Learn in disagreement
  - Openness to new insights and understandings creates better learning
Metaphysics: The Nature of Reality
- Plato
  - Truth
  - Forms
  - Reality as stable and permanent
- Descartes
  - Dualism
  - God
- Sartre
  - Existence precedes essence
  - Freedom
  - Responsibility
Epistemology: Theories of Knowledge
- Rationalism
  - Plato
  - Descartes
  - Skepticism and the method of doubt
  - Clear and distinct perception
  - The cogito and foundation of knowledge
- Empiricism
  - Locke
    - Experience
    - Blank slate
  - Hume
    - Origin of ideas
    - Skepticism
    - Kant’s synthesis of empiricism and rationalism
    - James and pragmatism
Ethics: How People Should Live
- Plato: moral virtue as the health of the soul
- Socrates: Vice harms the doer
- Utilitarian (results-oriented) ethics
- Deontological (duty-based) ethics
- Aristotle and virtue
- Why ethics matter - why be ethical
- Philosophy and politics
Philosophy of Religion
- Proofs for/against God
- Problem of Evil
The Nature of Personhood
- Concepts of the self
  - Descartes
  - Hume
  - Sartre
- Determinism
- Free will
  - Aristotle
  - James
  - Sartre
- Meaning and purpose in life
  - Socrates
  - Plato
  - Buddha