PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON (REG--PHIL 115-01)
SYLLABUS
SUMMER 2019
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
CLASS HOURS: T/TH 5:30-9:30PM, MAY 30-JULY 11, 2019
OFFICE HOURS: 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 a basic understanding of the subject (i.e., factual knowledge, methods, principles, generalizations, theories).
*This objective will be demonstrated by quizzes, tests, and class participation.
2. Developing knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives, global awareness, or other cultures.
* This objective will be demonstrated by quizzes, tests, and class participation.
3. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
*This objective will be demonstrated by thought experiments, quizzes, tests, class participation, and whiteboard activities.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
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 10 “daily” quizzes on pre-assigned readings, class lectures, and other extra credit opportunities (worth the equivalent of one quiz). There are NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES. There will also be 3 TESTS throughout the summer session. Make-up TESTS are possible ONLY UNDER THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES (i.e., your near-death or other kinds of serious illness that would involve a note from your doctor, a family or parenting-related emergency, or a UST-sponsored event--early purchase of an airline ticket does not count as such an excuse!). If you need to schedule a make-up you should see me ASAP to see if your situation meets the conditions under which a make-up may be taken. Make-up TESTS are completely different from regular tests and typically all-essay. There will also be three writing assignments (Thought Experiments--TE's) required of each student--and late assignments will be penalized a full grade for each day they are late. The Food TE and your other best TE, plus your remaining eight best grades from the quizzes and extra credit will constitute 25% of your final grade. Finally, for every hour of class time, students are expected to devote 2-3 hours of study to this course, including homework reading, review, and written assignments.
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/Weekly Quizzes/TE's/Extra Credit--25%
Test #1--25%
Test #2--25%
Test #3--25%
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
Academic accommodations will be provided for qualified students with documented disabilities including but not limited to mental health diagnoses, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, chronic medical conditions, visual, mobility, and hearing disabilities. Students are invited to contact the Disability Resources office about accommodations early in the semester. Appointments can be made by calling 651-962-6315 or in person in Murray Herrick, room 110. For further information, you can locate the Disability Resources office on the web at http://www.stthomas.edu/enhancementprog/.