Philosophy 1010 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Monday/Wednesday
- Sec. 001 - Ref. No. 031636
[
Dr.
3.00 sem. hrs. credit
Room
SS216
Catalog Description: Explores the nature
of philosophy, methods and major problems from pre-Socratic era to present.
Ideas and their relationship to science, art, religion, and sociopolitical
development are examined. Requires a grade of “C” or better for AA transfer credit. No
prerequisites.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. to identify
fundamental issues and options in selected areas of philosophy;
2. to equip
each student with sufficient clarity that (s)he may eventually form thoughtful
interpretations for personal and/or professional use.
RESOURCES:
1. Titus, Smith and Nolan, Living Issues
In Philosophy, 9th ed., 1995
[One copy of the textbook is on reserve
in the library for use within the library .]
2. handouts in
this syllabus packet and possibly additional materials
distributed in class
3. information
and interpretations from the instructor and students
4. www.philosophy-religion.org (All
handouts are also available on this website.)
(Computers
and computer assistance are provided in College facilities.)
5. video tapes
shown during classes (not available at other times)
METHODS OF CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION:
Among the teaching methods will be
lectures, video presentations, and discussions.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Dr. Nolan may be telephoned (24 hrs. a
day seven days a week) at (
It is highly recommended that each
student obtain the telephone number(s) of one or two classmates, in case of a
planned or unexpected absence. Such a
contact will answer the absentee's question "Did I miss anything
important?"
His secretary will not notify him about
messages asking him to repeat syllabus information or to report what took place
in class.
The instructor is not available between
semesters and during the summer (from early May until late August.)
INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCES:
Dr. Nolan is available (by appointment)
for individual conferences after his classes and at other mutually convenient
times. Such conferences are for the
purpose of clarifying an issue in the reading or a class, not for on-going
tutoring.
GORDON RULE:
This is NOT a Gordon Rule course and
will not transfer as such.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Assignments and class topics appear
below. It is possible that changes will
be announced as the course progresses and/or that additional handouts will be
distributed; it is each student's responsibility to be aware of modifications
by checking with colleagues, NOT the instructor.
TESTS/FINAL EXAM, EXAM GUIDES, JOURNAL,
AND GRADES:
TESTS/FINAL EXAM: Two tests and a comprehensive final
examination will be in a challenging, College Board quality, multiple-choice
style designed to examine each student's understanding of information from
classes and assigned readings. Classes,
readings, any written work, and the tests/final exam require college level
comprehension of standard, American English; dictionaries may not be used
during the tests or the final exam.
Students must take their own #2 pencils to the tests and exam; the
instructor will have none with him.
Unless documented medical and employee reasons require it, tests and the
final exam will not be given earlier or later than scheduled. With a written excuse from a physician or
employers, tests may be made up by appointment with Dr. Nolan in class sessions
scheduled below. Make-up of the final exam (with the same documentation) will
be scheduled at the convenience of the instructor and student, most likely at
the beginning of the next term. Dr.
Nolan supervises all make-up tests and exams in his courses; he is not
available between terms. Unexcused absences from tests or final exam are
automatically graded “F.”
Caution: An inquiring mind and an
ability to discuss issues philosophically do not automatically lead to solid
achievement in this course. One must
study the assigned material and perform satisfactorily on the tests and final
exam. See sample test items on page 8.
EXAM GUIDES: Guides are found within
this packet on pages 25, 26, and 27.
Students missing other announced guides must consult with other
students, not the instructor.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT: If a student wishes to submit a written
project for extra credit, the journal described in the next paragraph is the
only opportunity.
Process: Beginning with the second class
session - after each class a dated journal entry must be typewritten or computer
printed. The entry is to consist of a summary (in complete sentences and
coherent paragraphs) of the class's major topics plus personal reflections on
the topics; the reflections are intended to provide an opportunity for
creativity and critical thinking. Also, entries may include (in complete
sentences and coherent paragraphs) the related test/exam guides and their
respective interpretations; this portion will be especially useful for study
purposes. The approximate total number of words is to be posted beside the
student's name at the top of the first page whenever the journal is submitted
to the instructor, at times noted below.
Portions of classes not suitable for journal entries (e.g., review
questions and answers, class procedures, etc.) will be self-evident. Please see the sample page of an excellent
journal entry on page 9. A late journal
will result in the reduction of a test or final exam grades by three points. Work on the journal must begin with the
second class session. At least 2000
words (on the topics covered by the first test) must be submitted at the time
of the first test, and not less than 2000 additional words (on the topics
covered after the first test to the second test) must be submitted at the time
of the second test. The remaining 2000
words (on the topics following the second test) must be completed by the final
exam, but may be completed earlier. A 15
minute oral examination on aspects of the entire journal, scheduled during the final
week of classes, must be completed satisfactorily. Other details regarding the journal will be
developed, as needed.
COURSE GRADES: The chart on page 7A of
this packet indicates the method of determining the course grade. Grades are
never available by telephone; such requests are always ignored!
Factors outside the course have no
bearing on grades or other course issues.
For example, that an individual is an "A" student in other
courses is irrelevant; that an individual has demanding personal, campus or
professional obligations is beside the point; that an individual needs a
particular grade for transfer, for tuition reimbursement, or to avoid a low
cumulative average is immaterial and inappropriate to mention; that an
individual needs to leave classes early is extraneous. Registration and class attendance alone do
not automatically entitle a student to any particular course grade;
registration and attendance merely provide the opportunity to earn the grade
judged appropriate by the instructor.
ACADEMIC FREEDOM:
An essential ingredient in college-level
education is academic freedom for faculty members and students; this includes
the obligation of the instructor and students to raise (respectfully)
academically critical and analytical questions about various philosophic and
religious traditions.
Additionally, please note that there is
no such thing as a "stupid" question or comment, when offered in
honest inquiry and a courteous manner.
INSTRUCTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY:
The instructor accepts the
responsibility for all decisions related to the syllabus, the coordination of
the course and the supervision of class sessions. Although suggestions are always welcome,
course content, requirements, procedures, and grades are not routinely
negotiable. Flexibility on content will
be evident, if a topic requires additional or less time. The instructor may modify the content of this
syllabus at any time.
Visiting lecturers are invited only at
the instructor’s discretion; normally they must possess traditional academic
credentials.
The instructor will write letters of
reference only for students who have completed two of his courses with a grade
of A or B.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY:
It is each student’s responsibility to
abide by all of the College’s regulations, procedures, etc. as provided in the
current catalog and Student Handbook.
This syllabus does not contain all such information.
The instructor cannot possibly provide
all the varied topics and methods of teaching/learning preferred by all
students in the course. That each
student's readiness for learning can be accommodated is wishful thinking; the
course cannot be tailored specifically to each student's personal or academic
needs (except for students with a learning disability certified in writing by
the College’s
In the classroom civility is the norm;
rudeness (including repeated interruptions) or belligerence will not be
tolerated; combative or authoritarian personalities will not be permitted to
act out in this setting. If a student
persists in behaving unacceptably, according to the instructor’s judgment, a
report will be made to the College administration and/or Security, or in
extreme circumstances the
Please consult the Student Handbook
(available from the Student Services office) for regulations and policies
pertaining to student conduct.
Students who decide that they cannot
comply with the procedures noted in this syllabus should withdraw at their
earliest convenience.
ATTENDANCE:
If absent, students
must obtain class materials (unexpected handouts, notes, etc.) from obliging
classmates. The instructor will not develop alternative
tracks within the course, except for students certified by the College as
learning disabled. Videos shown in
classes belong to the instructor and may not be borrowed. Classes may be audio recorded by students for
their own or for absentees' use.
Students arriving late for the term
and/or for any classes are responsible for whatever has taken place prior to
their arrival; fellow students, not the instructor, should be consulted about
the missed portion of classes.
Students with prolonged illnesses and
absences (longer than two consecutive weeks) are encouraged to withdraw from
the course, because tutoring is not available.
Weather Issues: If the region is stormy
or if there are severe storm warnings, please follow the College’s procedures
for determining whether classes will be held, or telephone the instructor’s VoiceMail two hours before class. If he cannot safely drive to PBCC, the
outgoing message will make that specific announcement.
ACADEMIC INFORMATION:
Please consult the current College
catalog and other publications for further information, including the calendar,
grading system, academic dishonesty policy, attendance, etc. The instructor intends to abide by these
policies. If a College policy conflicts
with anything in this syllabus, it should be brought to the instructor’s
attention, and the College’s policy will prevail.
The Chair of the Social Science
Department is Dr. Richard Yinger (439-8259). His
email is: yingerr@pbcc.cc.fl.us/, and his office is in SS 207.
CELLULAR PHONES/PAGERS:
Please leave the classroom to respond to
the signals of cellular phones or pagers.
A PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCTION:
The instructor is a graduate of Trinity
College [CT] and earned a Master of Divinity degree at Hartford Seminary, an
interdenominational graduate school of theological studies. An M.A. from Yale University and Ph.D. from
New York University followed.
Post-doctoral studies were completed at Harvard, the
Editor of The Diaconate
Now (1968), the instructor is a co-author of the 7th (1979), Indonesian (1984),
8th (1986) and 9th (1995) editions of Living Issues In Philosophy and of Living
Issues in Ethics (1982; 2000; Chinese edition 1988).
In July of 1992 Dr. Nolan early-retired from 23 years of full-time
service in the community college system of the State of Connecticut and 8 years
of prior teaching in independent elementary-junior high, secondary, and
collegiate institutions. He has served
as an adjunct/visiting professor on about 18 college and university faculties
in Connecticut, New York, and Florida.
The instructor's mailing address is
PBCC,
His full pictorial c.v.
may be accessed at www.philosophy-religion.org/, a website he edits.
CLASS TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS:
Abbreviations Used:
C - class topic(s)
A - assigned
reading
T - the
textbook (Living Issues In Philosophy)
V - video
w
- website
www.philosophy-religion.org See
“All Handouts.”
(h) - handout in this packet
NOTE:
Materials not listed below as assignments might be added as the
term progresses.
M 8/27
C. Orientation to the Course
Philosophy on the Internet
A. An Overview of Philosophy (h) pp. 10
ff. & w
W 8/29
C. The Task of Philosophy
A. T
- Ch. 1 "The Task of Philosophy"
W 9/5
C. The
Task of Philosophy (continued)
A. T
- Ch. 1 "The Task of Philosophy"
M 9/10
C.
Human Nature
A. T
- Ch. 2 "Human Nature: What Is It?"
optional - http://keirsey.com
Whealon, “Creationism Fuss” (h) p. 14 & w
W 9/12
C. The
Self
Mind Talk: The
Brain’s New Story - V (Part 1, 30 min.)
A. T
- Ch. 3 "The Self"
M 9/17
C. The
Mind
Mind Talk: The
Brain’s New Story - V (Part 2, 30 min.)
A. T
- Ch. 4 "The Mind"
W 9/19
C. The
Greeks: The Minds of Men - V (Part 1, 30 min.)
Who Am I? (Part 1)
A. T
- Chs. 3 and 4 (re-read)
outline of video (h) p. 15 & w
optional -
Living Issues In Ethics (on reserve in
library)
M 9/24
C. The
Greeks: The Minds of Men - V (Part 2, 30 min.)
Who Am I? (Part 2)
A. T
- Chs. 3 and 4 (re-read)
W 9/26
C. The
Freedom to Choose
A. T
- Ch. 5 - "The Freedom to Choose"
M 10/1
C. The
Meaning of Values
Review for Test 1 (See Exam Guides (h)
p. 25.)
A. T
- Ch. 6 - "The Meaning of Values"
Muehl, “Opinion: The View from Philistia” (h) p. 16 & w
W 10/3
C. Test
1 [#2 pencil] on Chapters 1 - 6
Journal entries due from students
choosing this project
A. Review
for Test 1
M 10/8
C. Grades
for Test 1 Distributed; only opportunity to study Test 1's questions &
correct answers and compare with your own.
Ethics and Morality
A. T - Ch. 7 "Ethics and
Morality"
“Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality,”
American
Psychological Association; available at
http://www.philosophy-religion.org (go
to “All Handouts” subsite for
the
report.) optional – “Homosexuality and the Bible” by biblical scholar
Dr. Walter Wink:
http://www.philosophy-religion.org (See “All Handouts”
subsite.)
W 10/10
A.
Applied
Ethics: Biomedical Ethics
A. T - Ch. 8 "Individual and Social
Morality" (begin)
optional -
M 10/15
C. Applied Ethics: Sexual Ethics (personal
histories not suitable
for
classroom discussion)
A. T - Ch. 8 "Individual and Social
Morality" (complete)
Outline of
lecture on human sexuality (h) p. 17 & w
optional -
(library reserve)
W 10/17
C. Applied Ethics: Business Ethics
Epistemology: The
Sources of Knowledge (Part 1)
The Brain:
Perception - V (Part 1 - 30 min.)
A. T - Ch. 9 "The Sources of
Knowledge" (begin)
M 10/22
C. Epistemology: The Sources of Knowledge
(Part 2)
The Brain: Perception - V (Part 2 - 30
min.)
A. T - Ch. 9 "The Sources of
Knowledge" (complete)
M 10/24
C. Epistemology: The Nature and Tests of
Knowledge
Metaphysics
A. T - Ch. 10 "The Nature and Tests
of Knowledge"
“Idealism: A
World of Mind” (h) p. 18 & w
M 10/29
C. Science and Philosophy
Review for Test 2 (See Exam Guides (h)
p. 26.)
A. T - Ch. 11 "Science and
Philosophy" (211-226, 240-241)
Kline,
“Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty” (h) pp. 19-19A & w
Silk, “ECONOMIC
SCENE: The Search for Reality” (h) p.20 & w
Thomas, “On
Science and Uncertainty” (h) pp. 21-22 & w
W 10/31
C. Test 2 [# 2 pencil] on Chapters 7 - 11
Journal
entries due from students choosing this project.
A. Review
WARNING!
The class sessions for the rest of the course will include some material
not found in the textbook! Students absent
from these classes will not be well prepared for portions of the Final
Examination. Course grades often drop
one unit (e.g., from a “C” to a “D”) because students have not studied this
material sufficiently. The topics may sound familiar, but the material is
academic and scholarly, not devotional, “religious” or a repeat of sectarian
religious education.
M 11/5
C. Grades for Test 2 Distributed; only
opportunity to study Test 2's questions & correct answers
The Nature of Religion
A. T - Ch. 17 "The Nature of
Religion" (359-361)
W 11/7
C. The Nature of Religion
A. T - Ch. 17 (361-366)
M 11/12
C. Make-ups for Tests 1 and/or 2
A. Review
W 11/14
C. Judaism
A. T - Ch. 17 (366)
M 11/19
C. Christianity
A. T - Ch. 17 (366-369)
W 11/21
C. Make-Ups for Tests 1 and/or 2
A. Review
M 11/26
C. Islam
Current Religious Issues
A. T - Ch. 17 (369-377)
W 11/28
C. Philosophy of Religion: God (part 1)
A. T -
M 12/3
C. Philosophy of Religion: God (part 2)
Life After
Death
A. T -
W 12/5
C. Asian Thought
A.
Ch.
19 “Asian Thought”
notes for 330 Million Gods (h) p. 23 & w
M 12/10
C. Concluding Comments and Review for
Final Examination
Completed
journals due and oral exams will be scheduled for this project.
A. T - Concluding Reflection
Wesilus, “I’d Prefer Not To”(h)
p. 24 & w
Review Guides (h) p. 27
The FINAL EXAM is scheduled for Monday, Dec.17th
from
SAMPLE
TEST ITEMS
Understanding the meaning of a
philosophic term:
1. Logic
is:
a. the method by which absolute truth
about an issue is determined.
b. an area within axiology.
c. a
branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and problems of clear and
accurate thinking and argument.
d. all of the above
Understanding the implications of a
previously unseen paragraph for its philosophic content:
2. "People,
whether primitive or highly civilized, have conceptions of themselves and the
universe in which they live and work or idle. Their world views may be dimly
formed, barely recognized, even somewhat surreptitiously held. But a world-view
is in the mind of every man and woman.
Individuals may deny that they have a world view. They may say that they
have no interest in the world. They may
insist that they are independent, free swinging, hedonist or ascetic, choosing
their own ways of life of their own will; but the denial is itself a world-view
‑ something on the basis of which independence is asserted, whether they
are aware of it or not." Consistent with this statement is/are:
a. Human beings cannot entirely escape
philosophy.
b. The average citizen has a philosophy.
c. To condemn philosophy is to
philosophize.
d. all of the above
e. none of the above
Understanding a school of thought via a
paragraph or sentence:
3. "_______,
then, as presented in what precedes is a perfectly tenable conception of the
relation between some mental events and some brain events, lowing as it does
also that some brain events have bodily causes, and that some mental events
directly cause some other mental events.
It conceives minds as consisting, like material substances, of sets of
systematically interrelated dispositions, i.e., of capacities, abilities,
powers, and susceptibilities, each of which can be analyzed as a causal connection,
more or less enduring, between any event of some particular kind..."
a. Interactionism c. Behaviorism
b. Parallelism d. Freudian
psychology e. none of these