Essay Due Sunday
sinister670
phil101_syllabus-2.doc
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School: Arts and Humanities Course: PHIL101 Introduction to Philosophy Credit Hours: 3 Length of Course: 8 weeks |
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Table of Contents |
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Instructor Information |
Professor : Mark Kelley, Ph.D.
Emai l: [email protected]
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Course Description (Catalog) |
This course is intended to equip the novice student with a baseline understanding of the issues and concepts that compose the Western philosophic enterprise and to serve as a point of departure for further studies in philosophy. Students will be introduced to the techniques and primary problems of philosophy including the problem of reality and knowledge, logic and its limits, the mind-body problem, problems of free will, God and religion, and morality and society.
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Course Scope |
The course evaluates the main problems of philosophy and the traditional approaches used to resolve those problems. These philosophical problems are approached historically and conceptually – noting both their place in the history of ideas and their philosophical contributions to the field at large. Students are encouraged to examine their own views in light of the traditional approaches. Although students are never required to agree with any position expressed in this class, they are required to demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the ideas presented in the course content.
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Course Objectives |
After successfully completing this course students will be able to:
1. Identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality;
2. Examine the relevance of language and logic to problems of knowledge and reality;
3. Distinguish the basic concepts of moral and political philosophy;
4. Evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God;
5. Evaluate various approaches to the mind-body problem;
6. Evaluate various approaches to the problem of free will.
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Course Delivery Method |
This course delivered via distance learning will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Course materials and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by the last day of each week (Sunday) and include Discussion Board questions, quizzes, and essay writing assignments (submitted for review by the Faculty Member).
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Course Materials |
The readings for this course are a composition of web-based sources and public domain texts. The Course Outline in the syllabus has links for all course readings and videos. PowerPoint lecture notes and Podcasts can be found under the COURSE MATERIALS tab for the corresponding week.
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Evaluation Procedures (Assignments and Quizzes) |
1. Discussion Forum Posts
- 7 Forums (including self-introduction) 175 pts 35%
2. Quizzes (1 per week) 120 pts 20%
3. Philosophical Essay
Part 1 (due at week 4)
- proposal, thesis statement, and sources 20 pts 11.25%
Part 2 (due at week 7)
- complete essay 100 pts 33.75%
Total 415 pts 100%
1. Discussion Forum Posts – Six required initial posts. During weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 you are required to participate in discussions that take place in our Forums. During these weeks there will be a prompt to which you will respond by Wednesday of the week so we have time to read and respond to your work. See grading rubric below for what is expected and how points will be distributed. In addition to the six required forum posts, you are also required to make one substantive reply by the end of the week Sunday to one other student’s post. For replies to receive credit, they must be relevant to the course content, meaningful, and offer some evaluative insight on the post in terms of reasoning, content, evidence and support, or clarity.
2. Each of the six required posts should be between 200 and 300 words, and each reply should be a minimum of 100 words. Posts and replies will be graded according to the following rubric categories:
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Forum Grading Rubric Category Points Initial post and response to others demonstrate an understanding of the concepts presented. 5 Responses to others advance the discussion by offering advice, acknowledging similar experiences and ideas, and so forth. 5 Initial post and responses to others are written using appropriate grammar, spelling, punctuation, and structure. 5 Initial post adequately addresses all components of the issue. 3 Examples and correct MLA citation are used to support the main ideas. 5 Initial post and response to others are submitted on time. 2
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3. Quizzes – Each week you will be required to complete ten-question quiz. This assessment is to encourage consistent engagement with the course material and measures your retention of course content. Quizzes have a 25 minute time limit and must be completed by the end of the day Sunday of each week. Quizzes can be found under the “Test & Quizzes” tab on the left-hand side of the classroom. Do not access the quizzes until you are ready to take them. Once accessed, you must complete and submit the quiz within the 25 minute time-limit. Missed quizzes cannot be made up.
4. Philosophical Essay – You will write a two-part 5-6 page essay (excluding the Works Cited page) using our Library Guide for PHIL101 and our Online Library to answer one of the following questions:
1. According to Socrates, must one heed popular opinion about moral matters? Does Socrates accept the fairness of the laws under which he was tried and convicted? Would Socrates have been wrong to escape?
2. If God exists, is murder immoral? Can those who do not believe in God be highly moral people? Can people who practice different religions agree about how to resolve a moral disagreement?
3. Consider the following philosophical puzzle: “If a tree falls in the forest and there's no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?” (1) How is this philosophical puzzle an epistemological problem? And (2) how would John Locke answer it?
4. Evaluate the movie, The Matrix, in terms of the philosophical issues raised with (1) skepticism and (2) the mind-body problem. Explain how the movie raises questions similar to those found in Plato’s and Descartes’ philosophy. Do not give a plot summary of the movie – focus on the philosophical issues raised in the movie as they relate to Plato and Descartes.
5. Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Are morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God?” (1) How does this question relate to the Divine Command Theory of morality? (2) What are the philosophical implications associated with each option here?
6. Explain (1) the process by which Descartes uses skepticism to refute skepticism, and (2) what first principle does this lead him to? (3) Explain why this project was important for Descartes to accomplish.
Essay Part 1: At the end of week 4 you will turn in (1) a clearly articulated thesis statement, and (2) a selected list of appropriate sources using our Library Guide for PHIL101 and our Online Library, as indicated below:
1. Identify at least one encyclopedia, or similar work, providing a big picture overview of key issues your topic needs to address.
2. Identify at least one secondary source, an interpretive work, addressing your which was written by someone other than the philosophers identified in your topic. This secondary source should be located through the journal article database available in the APUS Online Library, where contemporary philosophical articles pertaining to your topic, can be located. For instance, use EBSCO’s Academic Search Elite. This is a searchable database of scholarly articles from many academic disciplines, including philosophy. It should be used to locate contemporary scholarly articles pertaining to epistemology, perception, Locke, etc. It also contains the full text of many of the articles.
3. Identify at least one primary source, from a major philosopher identified in your topic choice. Be sure that the primary source selected pertains to the issues raised by your topic.
Explain briefly how the content of each source will assist you with your Philosophical Essay Assignment. Provide a complete reference in MLA style for each work selected.
Format your Philosophical Essay using MLA guidelines (see Citation and Reference Style ). All papers should be double spaced and written in Times New Roman 12 point font. Papers should include indented paragraphs, no extra space between paragraphs, and 1 inch margins on all 4 sides. Keep quotes from sources to 2-3 lines and no more than 10-20% of the paper; this is especially relevant with regard to secondary sources. Never let your secondary sources take over or make your argument for you. For a review of how to write a thesis statement, see the following site:
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/thesis_statement.shtml
File Names: Please label all MS Word file attachments in the following manner: Your last name_Assignment Title (i.e., Smith_Philosophical Essay Part 1).
The following is an example (do not copy and use) of Essay Part 1 due at week 4:
Name
Date
Class
Thesis Statement:
In this essay I evaluate the philosophical puzzle: “If a tree falls in the forest and there's no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?” In my evaluation I explain that this question raises the epistemological problem of how a subjective experience, such as sound, relates to what can be known of reality. I demonstrate that this question is a puzzle because it exposes the limits of what we can claim to know based on sensory experience. Lastly, I will explain how the empiricist, John Locke, would evaluate and answer the puzzle.
Annotated Bibliography
E.J. Lowe, Ed. Routledge Philosophy Guidebook to Locke on Human Understanding.
New York, NY: Routledge, 1995. NetLibrary. 2002. 1 Mar. 2009
http://www.netlibrary.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/urlapi.asp?action=summary&v=1&bookid=73470
This source provides a comprehensive discussion of John Locke, the person, and the arguments he puts forth in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. It will also help to understand the book as it relates to historical events and ideas. Additionally, it identifies arguments from the work’s supporters and critics.
Kemerling, Garth. “John Locke: The Origin of Ideas.” Philosophy Pages. Britannica
Internet.2001. Web. 1 Mar. 2009. http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/4l.htm
This source is a quick introduction to Locke and his philosophical perspective and introduces the main themes in his work, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. It will also help me understand the more complicated aspects of Locke’s epistemology that I’ll be reading to write my essay.
Locke, John. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Kitchener, Ont.: Batoche,
2001. Ebrary. 2005. 4 Oct. 2010. http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/lib/apus/Doc?id=2001993
This is Locke’s major empirical thesis, detailing how Locke perceived the problem of knowledge, experience and sensation. This primary text will provide the illustrations and proofs required of my thesis.
Uzgalis, William. “John Locke: The Limits of Human Understanding.” Stanford
Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2007. Web. 1 Mar. 2009. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#LimHumUnd/
This source presents a much more detailed analysis of Locke’s epistemology from his work, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.
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Grading Rubric for Part 1: Thesis Statement and Research Resources Due at the end of Week 4 |
Points |
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Purpose: Clearly articulated thesis statement of appropriate scope that (1) tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the question, and (2) tells the reader what you intend to accomplish in your essay. Support: List of three or more appropriate research resources (not including course books). Syntax, Style, Grammar, and Formatting: The writing contains sentences that are always complete and grammatically correct, and free of confusion and ambiguity. The essay follows MLA formatting and adheres to the additional guidelines detailed in the syllabus. |
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Essay Part 2: At the end of week 7 the entire 5-6 page (excluding Works Cited) Philosophical Essay is due and will be graded according to the following rubric categories.
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Grading Rubric for Part 2: Complete Philosophical Essay Due at the end of Week 7 |
Points |
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Purpose: The writing engages the reader with an insightful approach to the subject through a clear presentation of complex and interrelated ideas. The writing fully, accurately, and clearly identifies the relevant issues in the question. Support: The writing develops ideas through careful explanations which are supported by reliable and relevant evidence based on appropriate research. Claims are supported and explained rather than simply asserted. Quotes and examples are used appropriately to support ideas and claims. The essay is written in the third person objective voice, rather than in the first person “I” subjective voice. Organization, Clarity, and Formatting: The writing flows smoothly and reasonably from a well-defined thesis. Ideas and concepts are fully developed, clear, and organized. Main ideas are not lost in surrounding supporting evidence. The essay is formatted in MLA style and adheres to the additional guidelines detailed in the syllabus. Syntax, Style, Grammar: The writing contains sentences that are always complete and grammatically correct, and free of confusion and ambiguity. |
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Notes on Student Resources, Assignment Labeling, Formatting, and Submitting:
a. APUS has many excellent online resources and tutorials for college research/essay writing, proper citation using uses MLA style, general layout, etc. All of these resources and can be found by accessing our Library Guide for PHIL101 . You must be logged into the Online Library for all links to work.
b. Forum posts are to be submitted as a “reply” to the prompt thread. Make sure to click the related assignments tab below the text box prior to submitting.
c. Submit written assignments as Microsoft Word .doc or .docx files only, and with your last name and the assignment title. For example: Smith Essay Part 1.
d. Format your Philosophical Essay using MLA guidelines (see Citation and Reference Style ). All papers should be double spaced and written in Times New Roman 12 point font. Papers should include indented paragraphs, no extra space between paragraphs, and 1 inch margins on all 4 sides. Keep quotes from sources to 2-3 lines and no more than 10-20% of the paper; this is especially relevant with regard to secondary sources. Never let your secondary sources take over or make your argument for you.
e. File Names: Please label all file attachments in the following manner: Your last name_Assignment Title (i.e., Smith_Philosophical Essay Part 2).
f. Sources: Use only scholarly articles and books found through databases in the APUS and other libraries. If you must go outside of these academic sources, let me know so we can review together. In general, keep quotes to no more than 2-3 lines in these relatively short papers. Sources that should never be used in your research and writing include the following:
Wikipedia. Any essay writing web sites and web sites that have [.k12] in their address. Study sites or aids such as Pink Monkey, enotes.com, answers.com, sparknotes.com, about.com, Bartleby.com, allfreeessays.com, ehow.com, associatedcontent.com, cummingsstudyguides.net, essaysample.com, 123helpme.com, and any others like these.
Please see the student handbook to reference the University’s grading scale .
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Course Outline |
8 Week Course
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Week |
Topic(s) |
Learning Objective(s) |
Reading(s) and Course Content |
Assignment(s) |
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1 |
Introducing Philosophy: What is Philosophy? |
Objectives: · Identify the main branches of philosophy. · Identify the historical beginnings of philosophy. · Distinguish philosophy from other ways of making sense of the world. · Demonstrate an understanding of what makes a question philosophical and what "philosophizing" entails. |
Readings (click on links): · From Introduction to Philosophy: An Online Textbook – (1) Introduction – Let’s Get Started 1 and 2 , (2) Philosophy and Wonder , (3) Wonder: Chaos and Cosmos , (4) The Origins of Philosophy: The Greeks and Us! , (5) The Pre-Socratics: From Science to Philosophy . · From Philosophy Pages: The Origins of Western Thought · From the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Thales of Miletus Audio & Videos: · YouTube Video: What is Philosophy? · Philosophy Bites Podcast: Edward Craig – What is Philosophy? (in Course Materials tab) · YouTube Video: Monty Python Philosophy Football Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes in Resources (Course Materials): (1) Introduction, and (2) Thales Also see interactive Ancient Greek timeline here Play the Interactive MLA Citation Game here |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 1 Self-Introduction Post: a 250-word post introducing yourself and what you expect to gain from the course. Discussion Forum Post (answer all three parts) 1) Discuss what makes Thales’ method of knowing distinctly philosophical (as opposed to mythology and religion). 2) Explain how Thales’ approach would be considered radical during his time, yet also simplistic. 3) Thales' approach to making sense of the world would be handled by what academic field(s) of study today? Remember to respond to Classmates’ Posts Quiz # 1 |
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2 |
Socrates and Ancient Greek Philosophy |
Objectives: · Identify the Pre-Socratic influences on Socrates and Plato · Identify the historical and philosophical importance of Ancient Greek philosophy and the philosopher, Socrates · Understand what is meant by the "Socratic Method" of philosophizing · Evaluate Socrates' defense of philosophizing and his definition of wisdom · Understand Socrates’ and Plato’s epistemology, metaphysics and the role of philosophical dialogue. |
Reading Assignments: · From Introduction to Philosophy: An Online Textbook: Chapter 2: The Greeks: (1) Greek Culture & (2) Greek Theatre · From Philosophy Pages: (1) Socrates ; and (2) Socrates: Philosophical Life ; · Plato’s dialogue, The Apology (an interactive online text). Audio & Videos: · Google Video: Socrates on Self-Confidence. Socrates on Self-Confidence · Philosophy Bites Podcast: M.M. McCabe on Socratic Method (in Lessons) · YouTube Video: Miles Burnyeat on Plato, parts 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , & 5 Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes in “Reading and Resources” file: (1) Plato’s “Apology” Also see interactive Greek timeline here Play the Ancient Philosophy Interactive Word Search Game: http://www.proprofs.com/games/word-search/history-of-ancient-philosophy-midterm/ |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 2 Discussion Forum Post (pick one of the three below): (1) Based on Plato's dialogue, "Apology," assess the charge leveled against Socrates of corrupting the youth of Athens. (a) Do you think Socrates corrupted the youth of Athens? If so, why? If not, why not? (b) Summarize and critically evaluate Socrates' defense on this particular accusation - was his defense convincing to you or not? Why or why not? (2) Based on Plato's dialogue, "Apology," (a) in what sense does Socrates claim to be wise? (b) Summarize and evaluate the value of the Socratic Method and Socratic wisdom and whether this method and attitude are valuable for a democratic society such as ours. (3) In the "Apology," Socrates refuses to accept any lesser form of punishment (such as a fine or exile). As such Socrates is sentenced to death. (a) Why does he do this, and (b) what moral principle does Socrates draw upon in defending his choice for not pleading for a lesser charge in order to save his life? Quiz # 2 |
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3 |
Part 1: Metaphysics and Epistemology: What is real and how do we know? |
Objectives: · Identify the ways in which the question “what is real?” is a metaphysical question and how it poses an epistemological problem · Examine Plato’s and Descartes metaphysics and epistemology · Analyze the historical context of Descartes’ skepticism and his formulation of rationalism · Examine the metaphysical implications concerning dualism and the mind-body problems that follow from rationalism |
Reading Assignments: · “ Plato’s Picture Show ,” from Ebrary E-Book, Philosophy Goes to the Movies by Christopher Falzon; · Plato’s The Republic, Book VII, Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Allegory of the Cave ; · Descartes and the Modern Turn, from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, (1) Against Scholasticism , (2) Descartes’ Project, (3) Method, (4) The Mind , (5) Cogito, ergo sum ; · Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy, Translated by John Veitch, (1) Letter of Dedication , (2) Preface to Reader , (3) Meditation I , (4) Meditation II . Audio & Videos: · YouTube Videos: (1) An Adaptation of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave , (2) Philosophy & The Matrix - Descartes ; · Philosophy Bites Podcast: Barry Stroud on Skepticism ; and A.C. Grayling on Descartes' Cogito ; · YouTube Videos: Bernard Williams on Descartes, parts 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , & 5 ; · YouTube Video: Nigel Warburton on his Favorite Philosophers · Also see interactive Renaissance timeline here Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes: (in Course Materials) (1) Plato’s Cave, (2) Descartes’ Skepticism Try the Philosophy Interactive Crossword Puzzle: http://www.proprofs.com/games/crossword/philosophy-crossword-1/ |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 3 Discussion Forum Post (answer all three parts)
Refer to Descartes', Meditations on First Philosophy, when addressing all three parts of the question below. (1) Why doesn’t Descartes simply determine what's real by looking around him and use his sense experience?
(2) In Meditation II, Descartes states, "I am; I exist - this is certain." Explain why Descartes claims that his knowledge here about this cannot be doubted? (3) What is the nature of the "I" for Descartes and why doesn't it refer to the physical body of Descartes? Quiz # 3 |
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4 |
Part 2: Metaphysics and Epistemology: What is real and how do we know? |
Objectives: · Examine empiricism and some of its main philosophical proponents in history. · Identify Locke’s theory of knowledge. · Identify Kant’s constructivist approach to the problem of knowledge. · Examine the relationship between empiricism, constructivism, and the limits of knowledge and how these relate to science. |
Reading Assignments: · From Philosophy Pages: The Empiricism of John Locke, (1) Life and Works , (2) Empiricism , (3) Qualities , and (4) Knowledge (through section on “Extent of Knowledge”); · From the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: The Epistemology and Metaphysics of Immanuel Kant, (1) Historical Background to Kant , (1a) Empiricism , (1b) Rationalism , (2) Kant’s Answers to his Predecessors, (3) HYPERLINK "http://www.iep.utm.edu/kantmeta/" \l "H3" Kant’s Copernican Revolution: Mind Making Nature , (4) Kant’s Transcendental Idealism , (5) Kant’s Analytic of Principles , (6) Kant’s Dialectic , (7) The Ideas of Reason. Audio & Videos: · YouTube Videos: Michael Ayers on Locke and Berkeley, parts 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 · YouTube Videos: (1) Immanuel Kant: The Great Synthesizer , (2) Brain Damage & Perception , (3) Philosophy and the Matrix - Kant ; · Philosophy Bites Podcast – Adrian Moore on Kant's Metaphysics ; Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes: (in Course Materials) (1) Empiricism, (2) Locke’s Empiricism, (3) Kant’s Epistemology. Also see interactive Enlightenment timeline here |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 4 Philosophical Essay Part 1 Due. Be sure to carefully read the syllabus instructions, and see the example of Philosophical Essay Part 1 in the syllabus. Remember that this is not the full essay. It is the Thesis Statement and Annotated Bibliography. Attach as an MS Word document in the corresponding Assignments section. No required Forum for the week. Quiz # 4 |
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5 |
Philosophy of Religion: The Question of God. |
Objectives: · Examine the definitions of atheism, agnosticism, and theism. · Identify the philosophical arguments for the existence of God: Ontological, Cosmological, Teleological. · Identify the philosophical issues associated with the conception of God and the problem omniscience and free will, and the problem of suffering and evil. |
Reading Assignments: · From the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Sources of Western Concepts of God ; · The Ontological Argument, from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Introduction: The Non-Empirical Nature of the Ontological Arguments through Anselm’s Second Version of the Ontological Argument; · Selected readings from St. Anselm’s, Proslogium ; · Selected readings from, Critique of Pure Reason, "Existence is Not a Predicate" by Immanuel Kant · Selected readings from, Summa Theologica, “ The Five Ways ,” by Thomas Aquinas · The Teleological argument, from selected readings from William Paley’s, Natural Theology ; · From the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Design Arguments for the Existence of God · Read Nelson Pike’s, “ Divine Omniscience and Voluntary Action ” Audio & Videos: · YouTube Videos: Anselm’s Ontological Argument ; and Aquinas’s Cosmological Argument · Pop Philosophy! Podcast – Monty Python and David Hume on Religion ; · Philosophy Bites Podcast: Stephen Law on The Problem of Evil Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes: (in Course Materials) (1) The Ontological Argument, (2) The Cosmological Argument (3) The Teleological Argument (4) The Problem of Evil (5) The Problem of Free will Also see interactive Middle Ages timeline here (for Anselm and Aquinas) Take the Interactive Battle Ground God Philosophy Experiment: |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 5 Discussion Forum Post (1) With reference to Pike's article, how could it be said that Divine Omniscience challenges the idea that humans have free will? (2) With reference to Anselm's Ontological Argument for the existence of God, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of his argument. (3) Evaluate the Teleological argument for God’s existence and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses as an empirical argument. Quiz # 5 |
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6 |
Part 1: Ethics and Moral Philosophy: What’s the Right Thing to Do? |
Objectives · Examine the historical development of ethics. · Distinguish between moral relativism and moral objectivism. · Identify and evaluate the Divine Command theory of morality. · Identify and evaluate secular perspectives on morality without the God. |
Reading Assignments: · Introduction to Philosophy: An Online Textbook, (1) Mores, Law, and Morality , (2) Relativism ; · Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, (1) Metaphysical Issues: Objectivism and Relativism , (2) Relativism , (3) Divine Command Theory ; · Plato’s dialogue, Euthyphro ; · Introduction to Philosophy: An Online Textbook, Religion and Morality as Autonomous · “ Morality without Religion ,” by John Shook · “ The Myth of Secular Moral Chaos ,” by Sam Harris. Audio & Videos: · Philosophy Bites Podcast: Simon Blackburn on Moral Relativism · Philosophy Bites Podcast: Walter Sinnott-Armstrong on Morality Without God Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes: (in Resources) (1) Intro to Ethics and Moral Philosophy (2) Moral Subjectivism (3) Moral Relativism (4) Plato’s “Euthyphro,” and the Divine Command Theory of Morality Take the Interactive Euthyphro Philosophy Experiment: |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 6 Discussion Forum Post Open discussion week. You choose what you would like to discuss from week’s content. Be sure to evaluate the issue philosophically rather than just discussing your opinion on the issues. Quiz # 6 |
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7 |
Part 2: Ethics and Moral Philosophy: What’s the Right Thing to Do? |
Objectives · Identify Utilitarian moral reasoning and the problems that arise from its application. · Examine and evaluate Kantian ethics and the implications that arise from its application. · Compare and contrast consequentialistic with non-consequentialistic moral theories |
Reading Assignments: · Introduction to Philosophy: An Online Textbook, Ethical Theory ; · Philosophy Pages, Utilitarianism , · Selected readings from, Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation , by Jeremy Bentham · Selected readings from, Utilitarianism , by John Stuart Mill · Philosophy Pages, Kant: The Moral Order ; · Introduction to Philosophy: An Online Textbook, The Categorical Imperative ; Audio & Videos: · YouTube Videos: Michael J. Sandel on Justice, What’s the Right Thing to Do?, pt. 1 · YouTube Videos: Michael J. Sandel on Justice, What’s the Right Thing to Do?, pt. 6 , and pt. 7 · Philosophy Bites Podcast: Roger Crisp on Utilitarianism · Also see interactive Enlightenment timeline here (for Kant) Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes: (in Course Materials) (1) Utilitarianism (2) The Utilitarian Debate (3) Kantian Ethics (4) Kant’s Respect for Persons Take the Interactive Philosophy Experiments Murder Puzzle: http://www.philosophyexperiments.com/murderplay/Default.aspx |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 7 No Forum posting due for the week. Philosophical Essay Part 2 Due. Quiz # 7 |
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8 |
Social and Political Philosophy |
Objectives · Identify the historical development of Social and Political Philosophy and its connections to and differences from moral philosophy · Examine the various formulations of Social Contract Theory · Identify the assumptions about human nature in formulations of the Social Contract Theory |
Reading Assignments: · From Philosophy Pages, Social Contract Theory , · Plato’s dialogue, “ Crito ,” · Selected readings from, Discourse on Inequality , by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Audio & Videos: · YouTube Videos: Michael J. Sandel on Justice, What’s the Right Thing to Do?, pt. 3 , pt. 4 , pt. 8 , pt. 9 · Also see interactive Renaissance timeline here (for Hobbes) · Also see interactive Enlightenment timeline here (for Rousseau, Locke, Kant) Review PowerPoint Lecture Notes: (in Resources) (1) The Social Contact and Hobbes (2) John Rawls Theory of Justice Take the Interactive Philosophy Experiments “Get that Chip Out of my Brain”: |
Complete and Submit by Sunday the End of Week 8 Discussion Forum Post (pick one from below) (1) Discuss and evaluate the reasons Socrates gives for not escaping jail even though he had ample opportunity to do so. (2) Discuss John Rawls’ idea of the “Veil of Ignorance” and evaluate how it is said to establish a fair distribution of wealth. What is the purpose of the “veil” and what is it supposed to accomplish? Quiz # 8 |
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Policies |
Please see the Student Handbook to reference all University policies. In addition to other important policies, the Student Handbook will cover the:
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS Studying online requires that you use a computer, an internet connection and desktop productivity software to complete your degree. To access the full functionality of our campus and classrooms you are expected to meet or exceed the requirements below. Some programs and classes may require additional software.
Basic Requirements
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· Internet access · Email client and an email address · Windows XP or higher or Mac OS X · Sound card and speakers and a microphone · 20 GB of free hard disk space
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· Monitor and video card (350MHz or better) capable of 1024x768 resolution · Inkjet or laser jet printer · 2 GB of RAM · CD-ROM
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Software Requirements
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· The most recent version of Internet Explorer (IE 8) or Firefox ( 3.6.x) · Microsoft Office 2003 or higher/ Open Office / Mac Office 08 · Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher · Windows Media Player 7 or higher · Java 1.5.0 or higher
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· QuickTime 7 or higher · Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 or higher · A current Anti-virus software regularly updated according to the software manufacturer. · .docx conversion pack |
WRITING EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to have the background in grammar and mechanics necessary to complete a first-year college writing course. All writing assignments will be accountable to the University’s policies on academic dishonesty and plagiarism. All written submissions should adhere to the consistent format described below.
CITATION AND REFERENCE STYLE
· MLA format for all written assignments.
· Times New Roman 12-point plain font.
· Top, bottom, left and right side page margins = 1 inch, with reasonable accommodation made for special situations and online submission variances. Double space and indent paragraphs with no extra space between paragraphs.
· The University has many excellent online resources and tutorials for college research writing, proper citation, and general layout.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals I understand you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment please contact me before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final course grade.
NETIQUETTE
Online universities promote the advance of knowledge through positive and constructive debate--both inside and outside the classroom. Discussions on the Internet, however, can occasionally degenerate into needless insults and “flaming.” Such activity and the loss of good manners are not acceptable in a university setting--basic academic rules of good behavior and proper “Netiquette” must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the fun and excitement of learning that does not include descent to personal attacks, or student attempts to stifle the discussion of others.
· Technology Limitations: While you should feel free to explore the full-range of creative composition in your formal papers, keep e-mail layouts simple. The Educator classroom may not fully support MIME or HTML encoded messages, which means that bold face, italics, underlining, and a variety of color-coding or other visual effects will not translate in your e-mail messages.
· Humor Note: Despite the best of intentions, jokes and--especially--satire can easily get lost or taken seriously. If you feel the need for humor, you may wish to add “emoticons” to help alert your readers: ;-), : ), (
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
Course content may vary from the outline to meet the needs of this particular group.
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Online Library |
Online Library Research Center & Learning Resources
The Online Library is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to support your classes and generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the Online Library provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with your studies. Questions can be directed to [email protected] .
· Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited number of supporting volumes, collection of our professors’ publication, and services to search and borrow research books and articles from other libraries.
· Electronic Books: You can use the online library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which have been scanned and made available in electronic format.
· Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in electronic form and only through limited subscription services.
· Smarthinking: Students have access to 10 free hours of tutoring service per year through Smarthinking . Tutoring is available in the following subjects: math (basic math through advanced calculus), science (biology, chemistry, and physics), accounting, statistics, economics, Spanish, writing, grammar, and more. Additional information is located in the Online Research Center. From the ORC home page, click on either the “Writing Center” or “Tutoring Center” and then click “Smarthinking.” All login information is available.
Library Guide for the course ( http://apus.libguides.com/PHIL101 )
The AMU/APU Library Guides provide access to collections of trusted sites on the Open Web and licensed resources on the Deep Web. These are specially tailored for academic research at APUS:
· Course Lib-Guides narrow the focus to relevant resources for the corresponding course and the assignments in the course. To locate, click on the link above or search by class code (e.g., PHIL101) or class name.
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Selected Bibliography |
Selected Bibliography can be found in Course Resources Materials
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