THE PERSON & THE GOOD (PHIL 110.W42--HONORS)
SYLLABUS
SPRING 2022
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 207 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
CLASS HOURS: MWF 8:15-9:20, January 31-MAY 13, 2022
OFFICE HOURS: 7:30-8:00 AM and BY APPOINTMENT
COURSE DESCRIPTION/GOALS:
As an introduction to philosophy, this course (1) enquires into the foundations of ethics, by (2) considering how our conception of the human person affects our understanding of the good human life. It also (3) considers the question of the rationality of belief in God and the difference (if any) God’s existence makes to our understanding of the person and the good. In addressing each of these topics, the course (4) develops and applies basic logical and critical thinking skills, introduced as an essential part of philosophical method.
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, ethics, and the existence of God--using philosophical methodology, and with substantial attention to Catholic intellectual tradition. 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 and the good human life.
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.
4. Developing skill in expressing oneself orally and in writing
*This objective will be demonstrated by tests, papers, presentations and class participation.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
BOONE, BRIAN, ETHICS 101
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 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. There will be 11 “weekly” quizzes on pre-assigned readings and class lectures, 3 Thought Experiments (TE’s), and other extra credit opportunities. There are NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES. Make-up EXAMS 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 for Spring Break or Easter 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 EXAMS are completely different from regular exams and typically all-essay. Late assignments will be penalized a full grade for each day they are late. 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=20% 8 Best Quizzes & 2TE’s=10% Paper #1=10% Paper #2=20% 9 Best Online Quizzes and Writing Assignement= 20% Mid-Term=10% Final=10%
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/.