Philosophy 205

Introduction to Philosophy

Spring Semester, 2003

Stephen Scholz

Phone: 515-6461 email: sgscholz@unity.ncsu.edu

Section 205.007 MWF 12:25 -13:15 Wn 114

My Office Hours: 11:05‚12:00am MW Wn 022
(and by appointment.)

Writing Resources:
Writing a Philosophical Paper A guide to writing philosophy papers.
(writing_philosophy.htm)

NCSU Tuturial Services: (http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/write.html)

NSCU Online Writing Guide
(http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/grammar/)

Strunk and White's Writing Guide Online
(http://www.bartleby.com/141/)

Sample of Well Written Paper (Contributed by Dominika Wiktor, 2001)
(papersample.pdf)

Other Resources
ELIZA a computerized therapist. Does she pass the Turing Test?

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Passed by the U.N. 1948

PDF version of Syllabus

Past Lecture Notes
Part I Logic: Deduction, Induction, and Abduction (PDF format)
Part II Philosophy of Religion: Proofs for and against the Existence of God
Part III Epistemology: The Theory of Knowledge
Part IVPhilosophy of Mind
Part V Ethics

Paper Topics
Paper 1 Theory of Knowledge
Paper 2 Philsophy of Mind
Paper 3 Ethics

Course Description:
Philosophy is literally "the love of wisdom." The study of philosophy is unlike most other courses. In it one relies almost entirely on one's own reasoning ability and self reflection to address questions that cannot be answered by experimentation, investigation, or historical research. In this class we hope to develop these skills and learn techniques to sharpen one's ability to analyze problems, consider the logical consequences, critique arguments, and convey one's own reasoning to others. The basic tool of philosophy is the argument. The argument is a set of sentences that allege infer or imply some further proposition. We will learn how to formulate, critique and evaluate philosophical arguments on a variety of subjects. The content of the course will be a general survey of four major questions in philosophy: how does knowledge differ from mere opinion, what is the mind (is it merely the brain), what is free will (are we free), and how shall we live our lives? Although none of these specifically addresses the most important philosophical question, what is the meaning of life, each contributes something to the understanding of our world and what we can make of it. In the end students will have the tools to address that questions themselves, and apply the answers elsewhere in their lives. Novices to philosophy will find the readings extremely challenging. Philosophy uses familiar terms in unfamiliar and techinical ways, it relies on complex and often detailed explanations and qualifications, and requires of even the most educated reader careful attention. One should expect homeworks to take at least 6 hours per week.

Course Requirements and Grading:
There will be three short (4-6 pages) papers, a mid-term, and a final examination. Paper topics will be from a list of recommendations (or with instructer's approval). Mid-term and final will be cumulative. With perfect attendance is it theoretically possible to get 105%. Students ought to read each assignment before the date assigned in order to be able to ask questions and contribute to the class discussions..

Grades will be determined on the basis of the following point scheme:

Three Papers	60% (20% Each)
One Midterm	20%
Final Exam (or Final Paper)	20%
Attendance	-10% to +5%
Total	100%

Grades will be based on the percentage of total points received.

A+: Ñ97% A: 96%-93% A-: 92%-90% B+: 89%-87% B: 86%-83% B-: 82%-80% C+: 79%-75% C: 74%-70% C-: 69%-65% D: 64%-50% F:<50%

Grades will be based on the percentage of total points received. Grades can be challenged in writing (no email) within 1 class day of when returned, but there are no guarantees that challenged grades will improve.

Tests can be made up for legitimate emergency or medical excuses only. Papers will be reduced one full grade (A to B, B- to C-, etc..) for each class day late.

Attendance Policy:
Roll will be taken in class every day. You are permitted one free unexcused absence. After that, each unexcused absence will result in minus 1% to your total grade. Students with fewer than 5 unexcused absences get +1% for every day less than 5 missed, for students with more than 5 unexcused absences lose 2% off their total grade for each additional absence..

Academic Integrity:
You are responsible for doing your own work, for familiarizing yourself with the NCSU policy on academic integrity (http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/stud_affairs/policies/code95.html), and for satisfying me that you have adhered to the requisite standards of honesty.

For Students with Disabilities:
It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, accommodations to who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact me if they think their disability may interfere with their coursework.

The text required for this course is:

Core Questions in Philosophy: A Text with Readings 3rd Ed.
By Elliott Sober, 2001 Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-083537-4

I also recommend:

A Rulebook for Arguments, Weston, A. (Hackett Press)
The Elements of Style, Strunk & White, (MacMillan Press)

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