Fall, 2008
Phil 1013: Introduction to Philosophy, Honors
Section TR, 9:00-10:15 We will read several works by
major Western philosophers. Although we will devote some time to
each of the main areas of philosophy, the field is much too vast
for us to probe all its nooks and crannies. We will have to
concentrate on just a few sub areas, and we will focus on the
questions: 1) What sorts of human lives--what ways of
living--are best? 2) What sorts of social and
political institutions are most suited to making such lives
possible, particularly in the modern, global world? 3) What
is the relationship between mind and body? Are they one and the
same, or are they somehow separate? 4) What methods (if
any) are best calculated to help us gain knowledge? 5) What
is rationality, and what is it good for? 6) Does God
exist? 7) How can we justify our answers to questions like
these? Classes will consist primarily of discussion rather than
lecture. It is expected that students will arrive at every
meeting ready to discuss the material. Grades will be based on
papers and at least one examination. In written work, students
will be expected to show a clear understanding of the views of
the authors we read and to develop and defend their own views on
the topics discussed.
Readings
Phil 3113: Reason, Judgment, &
Decision-Making T 1:30-2:45 This course is concerned
with several facets of decision-making. We begin by considering
what makes a good decision. We will then look at various inputs
to decision-making (beliefs, values, understandings, etc.),
common impediments to good decision-making (with an eye toward
developing decision skills), and the relation between
decision-making and morality. In order to examine these
topics, we will be drawing on suggestions from both
philosophers and social scientists. Competence with
basic mathematics (especially all levels of
high-school algebra) will be assumed.
Readings:
