Course Outline
Fall 2009
Days: TTh
Time: 11:30 am - 12:55 pm
Location: Building: 26D Room: 2240
Professor: Charles T. McGruder, Ph.D.
Office: Bldg. 26D, Rm. 2481E
Office Hours: MTWTh 8:45 am - 9:45 am
Telephone: (909) 274-4595
Email: cmcgruder@mtsac.edu
Web Address: https://faculty.mtsac.edu/cmcgruder/
Class Webpage: https://myportal.mtsac.edu
Textbooks
A Prologue to Western Philosophy by Samuel Wolde-Yohannes
The Republic by Plato Translated by D. C. Reeve
(The Numbers next to the Republic are the marginal numbers)
Western Philosophy, An Anthology by John Cottingham
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Course Description
Investigation of basic concepts and methods of philosophy; selected metaphysical, epistemological, ethical, aesthetic, and logical problems and issues traditional to philosophy, with emphasis on their relevance for intelligent living.
Purpose
The purpose of this course is to "do philosophy." Wonder is central to philosophy, not only as a starting point but also as a principle and a foundation from which everything else proceeds. Philosophy is a radicalization of wonder in all directions; but radicalization is a slow process and we are obliged to work the same ground over and over again. Only in this way can the process continue and only thus can it realize its total potential.
To do philosophy is to conscientiously immerse ourselves in the process and product of seeking meaning in the world. Our primary concern is for the personal dimension which plays/works in the creation and criticism of all claims to knowledge and understanding. We will use "content" and "information", however, our concern is the context for transformation.
Goals
An enhanced self/social understanding.
A disciplined exploration/exposition of historical and existential themes and issues.
Enlargement of communication and critical thinking skills.
Use of visual/analytical methods.
Study Sheets
In order to facilitate reading and reflection - your personal preparation and participation - each assignment will require the completion of a informal study sheet. This sheet, along with appropriate visual skills and tools, will be used in classes and in small and large discussion groups.
Reaction Papers should be a four to five page Report consisting of a brief summary/overview and your personal reaction to the reading.
Grading
I run a straight point system.
You can compute your grade at anytime by dividing your points earned by the total points possible.
You may check Blackboard for your grade.
90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C, 60% = D, 50% = F
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory in all my classes.
It is your responsibility to drop the class. I may drop you for lack of attendance or work.
Last day to withdraw without a "W" from Fall Semester is Friday September 12, 2009.
Make up Policy
No make ups allowed, except for emergencies.
I will accept work early, but not late.
Calendar Course Outline
Week Date Day Discussion Topic and Reading
1 Aug. 26 T Class requirements & Introduction to the course
28 Th Introduction to Philosophy
2 Sept. 2 T What is Justice?
Plato Republic (327a-354c; entire Book I)
4 Th Godwin West. Philo. (pp. 574-576)
Rawls West. Philo. (pp. 534-540)
3 9 T Reasons for being Just
Plato Republic (357a-369b)
Term Paper Assignment
11 Th Hume West. Philo. (pp. 642-647)
4 16 T Exam One!
18 Th The Origins of the State
Plato Republic (369b-376c)
5 23 T Hobbes West. Philo. (pp. 631-636)
Locke West. Philo. (pp. 636-641)
25 Th The Arts in the Education of the Guardians
Plato Republic (376e-412b)
6 30 T Aristotle West. Philo. (pp. 701-705)
Oct. 2 Th The Organization of the Ideal City
Plato Republic (412b-427c)
7 7 T Marx West. Philo. (pp.659-665)
9 Th Exam Two!
8 14 T The Just State
Plato Republic (427c-445e)
16 Th Nozick West. Philo. (pp. 671-677)
9 21 T The Role of Men & Women in the State
Plato Republic (449a-471c)
23 Th Wollstonecraft West. Philo. (pp. 569-573)
10 28 T The Rules of the State
Plato Republic (471c-502c)
30 Th Aquinas West. Philo. (pp. 627-630)
11 Nov. 4 T Exam Three!
6 Th True Knowledge & True Reality
Plato Republic (502c-541b)
12 11 T Holiday!
13 Th Descartes West. Philo. (pp. 21-25 and 80-86)
13 18 T Locke West. Philo. (pp. 25-31)
Term Paper due date!
20 Th Berkley West. Philo. (pp. 97-102)
Hume West. Philo. (pp. 35-39 and 102-107)
14 25 T Kant West. Philo. (pp. 40-43 and 108-114)
27 Th Holiday!
15 Dec. 2 T The Various Forms of Government
and their Shortcomings
Plato Republic (543a-550c)
4 Th Why we must choose Justice
Plato Republic (Book X)
16 9 T Final Exam! Meet at 10:30 am
11 Th No Meeting
| Last Updated: 10/19/22 |