PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON (PAIRED COURSE-NON-IBL)

SYLLABUS

FALL 2006

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INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 ALB/JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
OFFICE HOURS: 8:30-9:30 MWF & 2-3 MW & 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.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

BERKELEY, A TREATISE CONCERNING THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
BIFFLE, A GUIDED TOUR OF RENE DESCARTES' MEDITATIONS
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 1 SHORT PAPER (3-4 typed pages in length and NOT MORE THAN 5 TYPED PAGES) on a pre-assigned Paired Course topic. There will also be 10 “weekly” quizzes on pre-assigned readings and lectures, and 4 major TESTS.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Attendance is expected. Excessive absence may result in grade reduction. Turn off your cell phones!

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

Participation/ Weekly Quizzes—20%

Paper—20%

Tests #1-#4—15% each