PHIL1101 Introduction to Philosophy
"The
unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates
The purpose of this course is to examine our own lives through the study of different historical philosophical positions. These positions will be seen both as origins of many of our contemporary views and as representatives of possible views to come; they are our past, they lure our future. But if such examination is performed for the sake of living then, ultimately, this course is intended to enhance your life. There are several ways in which this task is accomplished: by allowing you to see your own lives as historical and yourselves as historical agents, by helping you to see larger philosophical issues in everyday occurrences, by teaching you the critical and analytical skills required to fully understand issues, by helping you to learn to express your views clearly in speech and writing and to back up those views with cogent reasons. It is my hope that the development of these abilities will enable you to be more effective participants in your own lives and, by extension, in and for the lives of others.
Course Syllabus is available for students on Web CT
Web CT Access Page