PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON (SUPER)

SYLLABUS

SPRING 2009

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INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS

OFFICE: 207 JRC

PHONE: 962-5363

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30-9:30 & 10:45-12:00 MWF & 9:15-9:45 TH & 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

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--PACKET FROM UST BOOKSTORE & 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 12 "weekly" quizzes on pre-assigned readings, class lectures, and other extra credit opportunities--your best 10 quizzes will count and there are NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES .   There will also be 4 TESTS throughout the semester.   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.

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--20%  

Test #1--20%

Test #2--20%

Test #3--20%

Test #4--20%