An introduction to the perennial problems that have occupied philosophers primarily in the Western tradition, including appearance vs. reality, the mind/body problem, free will vs. determinism, the nature of morality, the existence of God, and the justification of political power.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide students with knowledge of the major questions and problems that have arisen in the discipline of philosophy, and various attempts to answer these questions and solve these problems, and to cultivate an ability to evaluate the various arguments given by influential philosophers concerning these questions and problems.
- Definition and branches of philosophy
- Influential philosophers
- Appearance vs. reality
- Mind/body problem
- Free will vs. determinism
- Existence of God
- Nature of morality
- Nature and justification of political power
- Define philosophy and its various branches.
- Identify the major problems and questions that have occupied philosophers in the Western tradition (appearance vs. reality, mind/body problem, free will vs. determinism, the existence of God, nature of morality, nature and justification of political power).
- Explain various attempts to solve the major problems in the Western philosophical tradition.
- Evaluate the arguments given by influential philosophers and schools of thought concerning the major problems of philosophy.
Assessment and Requirements
All assessment of student achievement is left to the discretion of the individual instructor. Assessment methods include but are not limited to quizzes, exams, writing assignments, and group projects.
Outcomes
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Civil Society and Culture - U.S. and Global
- Humanities
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts