PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON (HONORS)
SYLLABUS
SPRING 2011
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
OFFICE HOURS: 11:00-12:00 MWF & BY APPOINTMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION/GOALS:
As an introduction to philosophy, the course will focus on the fundamental
conceptions of the nature of the human person in ancient, medieval, modern,
and contemporary philosophy. It will also include the development of basic
logical and critical thinking skills. Finally, it will provide a background
for future reflections on the way we ought to live our lives--the subject
matter of Ethics--Phil. 214.
The aim of the course is to introduce you to philosophy by presenting
the questions and answers that philosophers think about with respect to
the nature of the human person. It is expected by the end of the semester
that you know something of the thought of several major philosophers and
be able to articulate coherently your own understanding of the nature of
the human person.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Gaining factual knowledge and fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories.
*This objective will be demonstrated by tests, presentations, and class participation.
2. Learning fundamental principles, generalizations, or theories.
* This objective will be demonstrated by tests, presentations, and class participation.
3. Developing skill in expressing oneself orally and in writing.
*This objective will be demonstrated by tests, papers, presentations and class participation.
4. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
*This objective will be demonstrated by thought experiments, tests, class participation, presentations, and white board activities
REQUIRED TEXTS:
BERKELEY, A TREATISE CONCERNING THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
CAHILL, SAILING THE WINE-DARK SEA-WHY THE GREEKS MATTER
LUCRETIUS, ON THE NATURE OF THE UNIVERSE
PLATO, FIVE DIALOGUES
SEARLE, MINDS, BRAINS, AND SCIENCE
WESTON, A RULEBOOK FOR ARGUMENTS
DIVERSITY READINGS--ONLINE & OTHER SELECTED HANDOUTS
ASSIGNMENTS:
Since this is a basic, introductory course emphasizing the understanding of elementary ideas, you are asked to concentrate on learning these fundamental philosophical notions. Reading of assigned texts is a MUST in order to introduce you to the subject matter, facilitate class discussion and participation, pose distressing questions, and just plain make you think. There will be 2 SHORT PAPERS (2-3 typed pages in length and NOT MORE THAN 4 TYPED PAGES) on pre-assigned readings. One paper will be presented to the class along with a 1 page summary/outline for the other members of the class. There will also be 2 EXAMS--a Mid-Term Exam and a Final Exam at the end of the semester.
ATTENDANCE POLICY :
Attendance is expected. Failure to attend class is a VERY SERIOUS MATTER !
Excessive absence may result in grade reduction. Turn off your cell phones!
GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
Participation=
Paper #1=
Paper #2=
Mid-Term=
Final=