PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON (REG--PHIL 115-05)
SYLLABUS
SUMMER 2020
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
CLASS HOURS: T/TH 5:30-9:30PM, MAY 28-JULY 9, 2020
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 and tests.
2. Developing knowledge and understanding of diverse perspectives, global awareness, or other cultures.
* This objective will be demonstrated by quizzes and tests.
3. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
*This objective will be demonstrated by thought experiments, quizzes, and tests.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
LAUMAKIS, HAPPINESS: THE PERSON & THE GOOD (ONLINE BOOK)
LUCRETIUS, ON THE NATURE OF THE UNIVERSE
PLATO, FIVE DIALOGUES
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 12 weekly quizzes on pre-assigned readings, class lectures, and other extra credit opportunities (worth the equivalent of one quiz). Your 10 best grades in this category will be 20% of your grade. NOTE: There are NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES. There will be 3 TESTS (20 % each) throughout the summer session. There will also be 9 on-line book quizzes and two 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. Your best TE, plus your nine on-line book quizzes will constitute the remaining 20% 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:
Do the course work!
GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
10 Best Weekly Quizzes/Extra Credit--20%
9 On-Line Book Quizzes plau Best TE--20%
Test #1-3-20% each
(If for any reason, the above does not work then we'll use this:
9 Best Weekly Quizzes/Extra Credit plus Best TE--25% and Test #1-3--25% each)
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/.