THE PERSON & THE GOOD (PHIL 110. 01--REGULAR)
SYLLABUS
SUMMER 2024
INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHEN J. LAUMAKIS
OFFICE: 206 JRC
PHONE: 962-5363
CLASS HOURS: ONLINE ASYNCHRONOUS, MAY 29-JULY 11, 2024
OFFICE HOURS: 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, 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:
BOONE, BRIAN, ETHICS 101
LAUMAKIS, HAPPINESS: THE PERSON & THE GOOD
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, pose distressing questions, and just plain make you think.
There will be 3 TESTS throughout the summer session—each worth 20% of your final grade.
There will also be 12 “daily” quizzes on pre-assigned readings and class video lectures and 2 Thought Experiments (TE’s)—your 9 best “daily” quizzes and best TE will count as 20% of your grade.
Your 10 best online book quizzes will also count as the last 20% of your final grade.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Since this is an online asynchronous course there is no Attendance Policy--just complete the course work in a timely fashion!
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE/AI POLICY:
First, DON'T DO IT! You don't need it and it won't help! Second, first use and caught gets you a zero for the assignment.
Third, second use gets you a zero/F for the class. So, Don't use it! You don't need it and it won't help!
GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
Participation/9 Best Weekly Quizzes/Best TE--20%
10 Best Online Book Quizzes--20%
Tests #1--3--20% 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/.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY:
Use the link to find the official University policy: https://www.stthomas.edu/media/officeofgeneralcounsel/policies/Undergraduate-Student-Academic-Integrity-Policy.pdf#_ga=2.24866298.1307296101.1610338739-1268650868.1555465084