philosophy

Philosophy &101/Spring 2019 Homework #1: 45 Points

Shapiro Submit to Canvas by 4/10/19 at 11:59PM

This assignment is intended to get you thinking more about the nature and value of philosophy, especially

in light of the readings from Bertrand Russell and Ann Baker. There are three parts to this assignment.

Please do all three. I think this assignment can be done well in 2-3 pages; if you can do it more

concisely, that’s fine. If you need more space, that’s acceptable, too.

1) What is a philosophical question that intrigues you? Clearly articulate the question and offer any clarification of it that you think is needed. Keeping in mind the readings from Russell and Baker,

(and our classroom discussions) what is it about the question that leads you to conclude that this

qualifies as a philosophical question? In what branch of philosophy (see Baker’s designations)

would you place this question and why? (Of course, it can fit into more than one; if so explain.)

What readings on our syllabus do you think will help you address this question?

2) Russell argues that true philosophic contemplation is characterized by a setting aside of personal biases, concerns, and prejudices. What biases, concerns, and prejudices of YOUR OWN do you

think you will have to set aside and why? What value do you think doing so will have? How

successful do you expect to be? Do your best to engage with Russell on this point.

3) Russell says, “The value of philosophy is, in fact, to be sought largely in its very uncertainty.” With that in mind, what do you hope to get out of this class? If it’s not likely to provide you with any

answers, why study philosophy? What will the study of philosophy do for you that the study of say,

physics, will not? Or is there nothing unique or special about studying philosophy? Include ideas

and/or quotes Russell or Baker as well to help make your case.

Outcome rubric for this assignment:

Component Sophisticated (14-15pts) Developed (12-13 points) Emerging (11 and under)

Philosophical

question

Student clearly identifies a philosophical

question s/he finds intriguing. Explains in

detail why the question is philosophical,

with appropriate references to Russell

and/or Baker. Clearly identifies and

explains what area of philosophy the

question fits into and where on our syllabus

answers might be found. Writing is

thoughtful, reflective, and specific.

Student generally identifies a

philosophical question s/he finds

intriguing. Explains adequately why

the question is philosophical, with

general references to Russell and/or

Baker. Generally identifies and

explains what area of philosophy the

question fits into and where on our

syllabus answers might be found.

Writing is adequate.

Student hasn’t really identified a

philosophical question s/he finds

intriguing. Needs to say more to

explain why the question is

philosophical. Needs more

references to Russell and/or Baker.

Hasn’t identified and/or explained

what area of philosophy the

question fits into nor where on our

syllabus answers might be found.

Writing lacks clarity.

Questions Student clearly and specifically addresses

the questions, with specific and appropriate

references to Russell.

Student generally addresses the

questions, with general references to

Russell.

Student hasn’t really addressed the

questions. Needs more and/or

better references to Russell.

Value of

Philosophy

Student explains clearly what s/he hopes to

get from this class. Explains well what

philosophy has to uniquely offer and how it

differs from the study of other subjects.

Uses specific references from Russell

and/or Baker, and/or inclass discussions

and cites them appropriately.

Student gives a pretty good idea of

s/he hopes to get from this class.

Explains what philosophy has to

uniquely offer but may not make

entirely clear how it differs from the

study of other subjects. Draws upon

our readings and/or in-class

discussions.

Student needs to say more to

explain what s/he expects to get

from this class. Doesn’t make

entirely clear what’s special about

the study of philosophy. Needs to

draw more upon our readings

and/or inclass discussions.