Phil, Course Description
Philosophy - course description and syllabus, 2002-2003
Dr. Weiselberg
Email: eweiselb@irvingtonschools.k12.ny.us
(or follow links from the school's site)
"The unexamined life is not worth living” - Socrates
“Whether we will philosophize or we won't philosophize, we must philosophize” - Aristotle
“There's nothing so absurd it hasn't been said by some philosopher” - Cicero
“My karma ran over my dogma” - anonymous bumper sticker
“Wake up” - Rage Against the Machine
Course Description
This course will provide an overview of the history and nature of philosophy. We will examine some of the main questions of life, such as: How do humans find purpose? What makes something moral or immoral? Is there a God and what is its nature? Is there life after death? What is the origin of the universe? Do humans exercise free will or is their fate determined? What is “truth” and how do we find it? To answer these questions, we will make reference to the works of Socrates, Plato, Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as the works of more recent authors. We will explore the emergence of modern philosophy and discuss the possibilities of a “post-modern” age. In addition, we will view and discuss popular science fiction and other films which raise questions central to the study of philosophy. Finally, we will look outside the Western tradition to Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Native American philosophies.
Approach
This course combines two equally valid approaches to the study of philosophy - a chronological or developmental approach and a thematic approach.
A chronological approach shows historical factors, including the influence of context and the development of philosophical ideas across historical ages. This style might tend to emphasize history over philosophy, but provides a study that shows the interdependence of philosophical ideas over time and it is grounded in historical context.
A thematic approach looks at several themes, regardless of historical context. This style might overlook historical contributing factors, but it does enable a comparative and analytical examination of similar questions and responses from different eras, as well as suggesting the relevance of philosophical issues to students' lives today.
We will use primarily the chronological/historical approach, but we will (1) look at those time periods as historical exemplars of the broader themes, and (2) supplement them with important studies from other ages (such as studying the Existence of God using mostly Medieval philosophy, but adding theories from the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment (Spinoza and Hume) and the nineteenth century (Nietzsche).
Course Themes (including some Major Questions or Problems):
Meta-Theme - The discipline of philosophy: What philosophy is and how to do it.
1. Metaphysics and Ontology (being): Theories about the nature of reality and the external world; What exists and how; The existence of God; Personal identity
2. Epistemology (knowing): The nature of, and methods of acquiring, knowledge.
3. Ethics and Morality (Acting): Theories of ethics and guides for behavior.
Assumptions and Expectations
In this course we will be thinking. We will also be thinking about thinking. While we might come up with some really great thoughts and insights, we should also be aware that thinking is worth doing for its own sake.
Hopefully, this course will help you answer some questions that you have about being, knowing and acting; yet, philosophy involves not just answering questions, but asking them. Further, philosophy involves asking questions about the act of questioning itself.
Therefore, it is expected that you arrive to class prepared to discuss the day's topics, show an openness to new ideas and a willingness to suspend your personal beliefs until you explore competing viewpoints. Of course, all of that requires respect, for yourself and for others.
Objectives
By the end of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify and describe the three main philosophical themes and illustrative problems.
2. Identify, describe, analyze and assess the major responses that philosophers have
presented within the main themes and to address the major problems.
3. Demonstrate a command of his/her own philosophical ideas, assumptions, inferences
and intellectual processes.
4. Relate traditional philosophical problems to contemporary issues.
5. Engage in philosophical discussions with peers.
6. Recognize assumptions or premises that lie beneath philosophical thinking.
7. Correctly use the terminology of philosophy.
8. Create creative projects which reflect an understanding of course content.
Course Texts
We will use a variety of sources, including primary and secondary documents, fictional novels, and science fiction films.
1. Jostein Gaarder, Sophie's World; A Novel About the History of Philosophy. New
York: Berkley Publishing Group, 1994/1996. Originally published, 1991.
Translated from Norwegian by Paulette Møller.
Note: students are not required to read the fictional sections, but doing so might increase one's understanding of the philosophical content, as well as increase one's ability to participate in class discussions. Exception: all students must read the fictional sections of the first few chapters (up to “myths”).
2. Various essays from William Irwin, ed., The Matrix and Philosophy; Welcome to the Desert of the Real (Peru, IL: Carus, 2002).
3. In addition, students may be asked to consult primary sources on the Internet. Specific website links will be identified and listed on the class website.
Assessment:
Class participation: Discussion is part of a philosopher's method. Roughly 50-70 pts.
Journal/Notebook: Brief summaries and reflections on each assigned chapter of the text, supplementary readings, discussions, and films; collected at various times - 50-70 pts total
Quizzes: Multiple choice, to assess mastery of content. 10-20 pts. each, one per unit or two.
Projects: Various, including creative projects, presentations, research, etc. 10-20 pts. each
Final Paper: Creative or expository essays using course materials. 20-30 pts.
Note: students are responsible for making up missed work. It is expected that work will be completed and handed in by or on the assigned due date. It is expected that students will notify the teacher in advance of any foreseeable absences, and that they will find out about, and complete, any missing work in advance, or in unforeseeable or extenuating circumstances, in a timely fashion. Handing work in on time shows enthusiasm and contributes to participation points; in addition, work handed in on time will be graded and returned promptly.
Website: Weekly schedules, unit outlines and assignments will posted weekly on the class website (https://members.tripod.com/drweiselberg, or follow the links from the school's site), so check it often. Also, Additional Learning Options format requirements and suggestions are available. Disclaimer: this is a commercial site and as such is subject to pop-up advertising, external links and other features which may contain content that some users may find objectionable - neither the teacher nor the school take responsibility for any unforeseen or unexpected material of such nature.
Grade updates: Grades will be constantly updated on Thinkwave; therefore, students are encouraged to consult Thinkwave often for grade and assignment updates.
Syllabus Overview
1. What is Philosophy?
Film viewing: The Matrix
2. Classical Philosophy
3. Medieval Philosophy / the Existence of God
Film Viewing: 2001: A Space Odyssey
4. Modern Philosophy (Age of Reason); Rationalists vs. Empiricists
5. Nineteenth-Century Philosophy; Positivism and the Revolt Against It
6. Existentialism
Film Viewing: Run Lola Run
7. The Post-Modern Age
Film viewing: Blade Runner
8. Non-Western Philosophy
