Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality

Transcription

1 Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality Philosophy 114 Instructor: Ryan Wasserman Professor Western Washington University Contact: e: t: x3860 office: Bond 302a, TR Overview: This is a survey course in Western philosophy, that is, philosophy in the tradition of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. In the first half of the course, we will focus on epistemology (the study of knowledge). This will involve asking questions like What is knowledge?, Do we have any?, and If so, how?. In the second half of the course, we will focus on metaphysics (the study of reality). This will involve asking questions like What is the nature of human beings?, Do we have immaterial souls? and, Do we have any free will?. Our approach to these questions will be historically informed, but critically oriented. In each case, we will present the views associated with various historical figures, and then examine the arguments for and against those views. Outcomes: In successfully completing this course, you will learn about some of the central figures, views, and arguments in the history of Western philosophy. You will also see improvement in your critical thinking and reading skills. As a result, this course will contribute toward GUR competency #4: Identify and analyze complex problems. Textbook: There is no textbook for this course. All readings are freely available through the course website and course reserves. Requirements: You are expected to arrive on time for class, having done the assigned reading and having thought about any assigned questions. You are also required to complete a pre-test assignment (10 points), a midterm (40 points), 1

2 and a final (50 points). There will also be one extra-credit pop quiz during the first full week of classes. Pre-Test Assignment: A prompt for the pre-test assignment is posted on the course website. You are asked to write an essay in response to the prompt and to an electronic version to me. The purpose of this assignment is to give you some practice at writing a philosophy essay before the midterm, and for me to give you some feedback on your work. Midterm and Final: Essay prompts for the midterm and final are posted on the course website. On the day of the exam, I will select two of these prompts for you to choose from. You will then write one in-class essay in response to that prompt. No notes; closed book. Grading: Grades are determined by the total amount of points scored, according to the following scale: =A, 92-90=A-, 89-87=B+, 86-83=B, 82-80=B-, 79-77=C+, 76-73=C, 72-70=C-, 69-67=D+, 66-63=D, 62-60=D-, 59-0=F. Totals with half-points (e.g., 92.5) are rounded up to the nearest whole number. Extensions: Requests for extensions will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Integrity: We, the faculty, students, administration, and staff of Western Washington University, are deeply committed to integrity as a fundamental principle of education. This can only be achieved when we commit to integrity throughout all of our activities at the University, including our work, academics, and campus life. For more on what this involves, see the Western Coalition for Integrity webpage and the Academic Honesty Policies. All students and faculty of WWU are responsible for being familiar with this policy and the processes for reporting and appealing violations that it includes. ADA Accommodations: At Western Washington University, we are committed to providing a campus community, workplace and academic environment that is fully accessible to people of all abilities. Under federal and state law, no qualified person will be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of a University program or activity on the basis of their disability. For more information, see the DSR webpage. Student Rights and Responsibilities: Western Washington University students enjoy the same basic rights, privileges, and freedoms granted to all mem- 2

3 bers of society. At the same time, acceptance of admission to the university carries with it an obligation to fulfill certain responsibilities and expectations as a member of the Western Washington University community. For more, see Western s Student Rights and Responsibilities Code. Ethical Computing: Students are also responsible for knowing and adhering to WWU's standards for ethical computing. For more information, see Western s Policy for Responsible Computing and the User Agreement for WWU Network and Computer Resources. Student Services: Western encourages students to seek assistance and support at the onset of an illness, difficulty, or crisis. In the case of a medical concern, contact the Health Center: In the case of an emotional or psychological concern, contact the Counseling Center: In the case of a health and safety concern, contact the University Police: In the case of a family emergency or personal crisis, contact the Dean of Students: CASAS: Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex, which includes sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, and sexual violence (sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking) is prohibited. Under Title IX, rape and sexual assault are forms of illegal sex discrimination. Survivors of sexual violence have the right to file a discrimination complaint or seek advice and assistance from the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) in Old Main 345 (360) ; University Police (360) (emergency) or (report); Bellingham Police, 911 (emergency) or (360) (report). There are also confidential resources on campus such as Consultation & Sexual Assault Support (CASAS) in Old Main 585B, (360) ; Student Health Center, Campus Services, (360) ; Counseling Center in Old Main 540, (360) Equal Opportunity: Western is committed to an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Federal and State laws, as well as University policies, protect faculty, staff, and students against discrimination based on the following legally protected characteristics: Race, Color, Creed, Religion, National Origin, Sex, (including pregnancy and parenting status), Age, Disability, Marital Status, 3

4 Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, Genetic Information and Veteran Status. For more, see the EO website. Changes: This syllabus is subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class and by . Students will be held responsible for any such changes. Schedule: Introduction to Philosophy Introduction to Arguments & Introduction to Arguments The Argument from Sensory Error & Concerning Those Things That Can Be Called Into Doubt The Dreaming Argument & Descartes Dreaming Argument The Evil Demon Argument & A Brain in a Vat The Ontological Argument & Of God and That God Really Exists The Fallabilist Response & Theaetetus Gettier s Argument & Is Justified True Belief Knowledge? The Pop Quiz Paradox þ Pre-Test Assignment Due The Raven Paradox & Induction, pages (stop after the section titled Stream of Consciousness) Infintesimal Confirmation & Induction, pages (stop after the section titled Infintesimal Confirmation) The Paradox of the 99 Man & Induction, pages Newcomb s Paradox Review Day þ Midterm Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind & Of the Nature of the Human Mind Snow Day No Class The Argument from Doubt & The Argument from Doubt 4

5 11.08 Turing s Argument & The Argument from Reason and The Imitation Game Veteran s Day No Class The Chinese Room Argument & Minds, Brains, and Computers The Princess Elizabeth Argument & The Princess and the Philosopher Introduction to Freedom and Determinism & Of Truth and Error Hard Determinism & Of the System of Man s Free Agency Thanksgiving Break No Class Thanksgiving Break No Class Libertarianism & Some Current Incompatibilist Proposals Libertarianism Compatibilism & Compatibilist Arguments and Free Will Accounts The Argument from Neuroscience & Do we have Free Will? The Argument from Neuroscience & The Value of Philosophy Review Day þ Final from 10:30-12:30 5