PHIL1301: Introduction to Philosophy- Spring 2009

Instructor: Dr. John G. Messerly Ph.D.
Email: jmesserl@austincc.edu
Office Hours - before and after class and by appt.
Website: -http://www.austincc.edu/jmesserl

I do not know how to teach philosophy without being a disturber of the peace.
~ Spinoza

If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life, you doubt, as far as possible, all things.
~ Rene Descartes

Orthodoxy means not thinking-not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness. ~ George Orwell

Our whole dignity consists in thought. Let us endeavor, then, to think well: this is the principle of ethics.
~ Blaise Pascal

Men will cease to commit atrocities only when they cease to believe absurdities.
~ Voltarie

Course Materials - Books -

1. Problems from Philosophy, James Rachels, 2nd edition.
   2. A book from the book report list on this webiste.

Course Evaluation/Grading System - You are evaluated based on 1) weekly reading quizzes; 2) a book report, 3) a mid-term exam; and 4) a final exam. The total score of all quizzes counts for 20% of your grade; the book report for 20%; the mid-term exam counts for 30%; and the final exam counts for 30%. Quizzes cover the week's material and are taken BEFORE the material is discussed in class. [There are no make up quizzes.] The book for the book report MUST BE CHOSEN FROM THE LIST ON THE WEBSITE (which provides further instructions.) The exams are composed of short answer essay questions. [Make up exams are given only under extreme conditions and are made more difficult to account for the extra study time.] In the case of borderline grades, good attendance will help your grade.

Course Description - From ACC catalogue: "A study of the nature of philosophy and various traditions. Includes a study of major western philosophers, philosophical problems, and critical thinking." There are no course prerequisites for Introduction to Philosophy. A passing score or the equivalent on the reading and writing portions of the TASP is required.

Course Rationale - (From departmental master syllabus): Philosophy is a principal force that has shaped Western civilization and history, so a basic understanding of the methods and subject matter of philosophy affords a deeper understanding of ourselves and an informed grasp of the present. In addition, critical thinking skills are so central to the methods of philosophy that the study of philosophy provides an excellent opportunity to learn and practice those skills in a focused way

Academic Freedom - Students have the right to believe whatever they want, and to express those beliefs within the appropriate constraints that follow from the organization of a course and its class meetings. Grades will never be based on the beliefs that a student maintains, but only on the quality of the philosophical work performed by a student in conjunction with the course. However, if you express your beliefs, others are free to challenge them.

Students with Disabilities- ACC is committed to full compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are entitled to accommodation and have not done so already, contact the Office for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible to request appropriate accommodations.

Academic Dishonesty - Cases of academic dishonesty will be pursued according to the procedure set forth in the Student Handbook, "Student Rights and Responsibilities," Section J, "Academic Dishonesty."

Class Atmosphere- I favor an informal and open atmosphere in my classes, but I expect a level of civility conducive to inquiry. Consequently, we will adopt some basic conventions of respect and responsibility. Everyone must respect the views of others. "Respect" does not mean "agree with"; rather, it means that everyone gets a fair hearing. However, I also expect people to take responsibility for their contributions to discussion. Opinions offered in all forms of class discussion should be informed, thoughtful, and grounded; hence, all views will be subject to closer inspection and questioning (including my own). (from a syllabus of Dr. Matthew Daude Laurents, the department chair.)

Course & Outcome Goals (From departmental master syllabus)

1. to understand the nature of philosophy as both a process and a subject matter.
2. to learn and practice critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.
3. to become familiar with major divisions and problems of philosophy.

1. Students will demonstrate improved critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.
2. Students will be able to reason philosophically about issues of both personal and universal significance.
3. Students will be able to identify major divisions and concepts in philosophy.

Course Outline/Calendar (**subject to change at instructor's discretion**)
(first date is MW class date; 2nd date is TTh class date)