Philosophy 100 - Introductory Philosophy – 2013-14

 

Professor: William Sweet

Office: 707 Nicholson Tower

Telephone: 867-2341  / E-mail: wsweet@stfx.ca

Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 9.15-11; Monday to Thursday: 14.05-15.00; and by arrangement.

 

Information on the course, on assignments and examinations, etc., will be periodically posted on the course web page: http://www.stfx.ca/people/wsweet/phil100-2013.html

 

The objectives of this course are to provide students with an opportunity to develop critical thinking and clear expression and to introduce them to some of the traditional problems of philosophy utilizing primary texts in the history of Western philosophy.

              

Course outline

 

I. Introduction

 

II. Ethics

 

III. Epistemology

 

IV. Metaphysics and the Philosophy of Religion

 

V.  Deepening Philosophical Understanding

 

N.B.: Throughout the course we will have weekly sessions on introductory logic.


The texts we shall use are:

PLATO, Great Dialogues of Plato, trans. W.H.D. Rouse; ed. Matthew Santirocco (New York:  Signet Classics/New American Library, 2008). ISBN 978-0-451-53085-1

Rene DESCARTES, Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy, trans. Donald A. Cress, 4th ed. (Indianapolis: Hackett, 1998)

David HUME, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding [edition to be determined]

and copied notes

for classes on logic – e.g., ‘The Logic Booklet’

for other authors (Aquinas, Anselm, Aristotle, Paley, etc.)

 

Students should also have a good dictionary available. They might also consult: Philosophy Pages (from Garth Kemerling):  http://www.philosophypages.com/

 

Method of the course and the role of the student:

The class will have a `lecture and discussion' format. The professor will introduce a topic with a summary of the relevant arguments or a commentary on a text. This will be followed by questions and discussion of the material by the class as a whole (e.g., points of clarification or criticism and of comparison; comments on the relations between or among different issues).

               Students are expected to have prepared the readings before class, to attend all of the classes and to participate in discussion. In conformity with University regulations, students who have more than 3 unjustified absences in a term may be reported to their Dean.

               It is essential in studying philosophy that students be prepared to ask and answer questions in class.

              

Laptops and other technologies

Laptops and similar technologies are not permitted unless you have my prior, explicit permission. Unauthorized use or related activities will result in being asked to leave the classroom. 

 

Students with disabilities

Students who believe they  may  need  accommodations  in  this  class are encouraged  to  contact  the  Centre for Accessible Learning [Bloomfield Centre room 421; (902) 867-5349] as soon  as  possible  to  ensure  that  accommodations  are implemented in a timely fashion.

 

Email and office policy

I can respond to short messages through email, and I try to check e-mail once a day. I do not, however, provide grades or answers about course content by email. Students should make use of my office hours and ask questions in class. Urgent requests (e.g., to meet) are best made by telephone. If I am not in when you call, please call later or drop by.

               Writing to a course instructor is not the same as writing to a friend. For example, if you send me an e-mail message, please mention the specific topic of your message in the "subject" line. Use proper English. Begin the communication with an appropriate salutation, e.g., "Dear Professor Sweet" (A poorly written and misspelled message reflects badly on the author.) Sign the communication with your name and the course in which you are enrolled.

 

Policy on plagiarism and academic dishonesty

St. Francis Xavier University values academic integrity. All forms of academic dishonesty (including plagiarism) are unacceptable and will be sanctioned. For the university policy on plagiarism, please visit http://www.sites.stfx.ca/registrars_office/academic_integrity

 

Evaluation

Attendance, class notes, and bi-weekly (1st term) quizzes (15%); October quiz (10%); Mid Year examination (20%); written assignment (early March - 15%); final examination (40%)

 

Writing Centre

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources of the Writing Centre, particularly with regard to organizing study time, writing papers, preparing for examinations, etc. For more information, please see http://sites.stfx.ca/writingcentre/