Course Outline
Semester:
Days: TTh
Time:
Location:
Professor: Charles T. McGruder, Ph.D.
Office:
Office Hours:
Telephone:
Email: cmcgruder@mtsac.edu
Web Address: https://faculty.mtsac.edu/cmcgruder/
Class Webpage: https://myportal.mtsac
Textbooks
A Prologue to Western Philosophy by Samuel Wolde-Yohannes
Does The Center Hold?: An Introduction To Western Philosophy by Donald Palmer
The Trial and Death of Socrates – Four Dialogues by Plato
Enchanted Land: A Journey With The Saints Of India by David Lane
Existentialism and Human Emotionsby Jean-Paul Sartre
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
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.
An 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 some assignments will require the completion of a formal study sheet. This sheet, along with appropriate visual skills and tools, will be used in classes and in small and large discussion groups.
Reflection Papers should be a five page report consisting of a brief overview
and your 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
Behavior Objectives
The student will:
1. Analyze the ideas of the "major" philosophers, primarily in the Western tradition, although including some Eastern philosophers as well.
2. Evaluate critically philosophical theories in written essays.
3. Develop a "logical" philosophical argument.
4. Conduct literary research that examines the impact of major philosophers in the Western tradition.
5. Analyze "primary" philosophical texts
Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory in all my classes.
It is your responsibility to drop the class. I will drop you for lack of attendance or work.
Last day to withdraw from Spring Semester is
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 Feb. 26 T Introduction - Goals and Assignments
Read: A Prologue to Western Philosophy
& Chapter 1 - What are we doing in this class?
28 Th Is Philosophy Possible? & Branches of Philosophy
Read: Euthyphro
2
Mar. 4 T Pick a topic for research; Socrates; EuthyphroRead: Chapter 2 - Truth is Beauty
6 Th Rationalist Epistemology: Plato
Read: Allegory of the Cave
3 11 T Allegory; Images, Objects, Concepts, Forms
13 Th Descartes’ Rationalism
Read: Chapter 3 - What you see is what you get?
4 18 T Empiricist Epistemology & Locke and "Ideas"
20 Th Berkeley & Hume
Glossary Quiz
Read: Apology
5 25 T Logical Positivism & Kant
Read: Chapter 4 - Ontology
27 Th Dualism & Materialistic Monism
6 Apr. 1 T The Mind/Brain Identity Theory
Eliminative Materialism
3 Th Functionalism; Pluralism
Read: Chapter 5 - Philosophy of Religion
Reaction Paper Due – Enchanted Land by Lane
Read: Crito
7 8 T Philosophy of Religion: Theism, Atheism
10 Th Mysticism & Religious Existentialism
Read: Chapter 6 - Philosophy of Freedom
8 15 T Freedom & Philosophy of Determinism; Self Grade
17 Th Indeterminism & Libertarianism
9 22 T Existential Freedom: Sartre
Read: Chapter 7 - Ethics
Read: Apology
Reaction Paper Due – Sartre
24 Th Ethics: Greek; Justice & Egoism
Handouts: Aristotle
10 29 T Hedonism & Utilitarianism
May 1 Th Duty-Oriented
Read: Chapter 8 - Different strokes for different folks
11 6 T Critiques of traditional ethical theories
8 Th Logical Positivism & Cultural Relativism
12 13 T Ethics and Feminism & Deep Ecology
Read: Chapter 9 - Political Philosophy
15 Th Plato; Hobbs; Locke
13 20 T Rousseau & Mill
22 Th Social Philosophy: Communism; Minimal State
Reaction Paper Due – Marx
14 27 T Liberalism; Self Grade
Read: Chapter 10 - What is Art? & Philosophy of Art
29 Th Plato & Freud & Aristotle
15 June 3 T Marx & Marcuse
5 Th Existentialism & Wittgenstein
16 12 T Final Exam - Meet at 9:00am
Personal Philosophy Papers Due!
Mt. San Antonio College Philosophy Department
Critical Thinking Format
1. What is the purpose of the reading? Is the purpose explicitly stated?
2. What problem does the author attempt to identify and to resolve?
3. What are the key terms and concepts of the problem?
4. How are these terms related?
5. How are the terms functionally defined?
6. What thesis does the author present?
Negative:
Positive:
7. How is the thesis substantiated?
8. In order to entertain the problem as well as the thesis, what philosophy of life must the author affirm?
(Identify several of the more significant assumptions or convictions.)
9. Do you accept or reject the argument? Why?
Mt. San Antonio College Philosophy Department
STUDY SHEET
· Name:
· Date:
· Title:
1. What is the purpose of the reading? Is the purpose explicitly stated?
2. What problem does the author attempt to identify and to resolve?
3. What are the key terms and concepts of the problem?
4. How are these terms related?
5. How are the terms functionally defined?
6. What thesis does the author present?
Negative:
Positive:
7. How is the thesis substantiated?
8. In order to entertain the problem as well as the thesis, what philosophy of life must the author affirm?
(Identify several of the more significant assumptions or convictions.)
9. Do you accept or reject the argument? Why?
| Last Updated: 10/19/22 |