On-line orientation for the Summer 2013 Semester is Friday May 24 through
Thursday May 30. The syllabus will be updated by May 23.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide an entry into philosophy by introducing you to specific problems and people who have
come to define our philosophical heritage as well as those who are presently defining our philosophical future.
This is a problem-based course where we look closely at some of the concerns and issues of modern life.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
a. to understand the nature of philosophy as both a thinking process and a subject matter.
b. to learn and practice critical reading, thinking, and writing skills.
c. to become familiar with major divisions and problems in philosophy.
SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES:
a. demonstrate knowledge of and terminology in the philosophical areas of Ethics, Epistemology, Metaphysics, Theology, and Social and Political philosophy.
b. identify and discuss particular philosophical themes that emerge in western philosophy and how these themes relate or connect to non-western philosophical views.
c. demonstrate knowledge of some of the major philosophical ideas found in our intellectual tradition: reality, truth, meaning, nature, god, value, human rights, and so forth.
d. demonstrate the ability to analyze philosophical material and to synthesize that material into a clear and understandable essay through the use of philosophical thinking and writing.
TEXTS: The Velasquez book is required and the study
guide is highly recommended. Both can be purchased at the ACC Rio Grande Bookstore
on 12th Street just east of Lamar Blvd.
Philosophy: A Text with Readings. Manuel Velasquez. Wadsworth Publishing
Company, 11th edition, 2011 (the 10th edition is also workable if you are able
to match the page numbers from the syllabus to this edition)
Telecourse Study Guide for The Examined Life, Any edition will work.
Wadsworth Publishing Company. This can be an excellent study aid in preparation
for the exams, but is only recommended
Note: Some of the other bookstores often try to sell very old editions of
these books at full-price. The official ACC Bookstore which carries to current
edition is located at 817 W. 12th Street; the south side of 12th about a block
east of Lamar. Their phone number is 512.474-2607. Class Information. It is your responsibility to be
familiar with the information relevant to the course. I would recommend you
printing out the deadlines for the examination and your semester contacts.
If you do not log onto the web very often, I would recommend you printing everything.
Ignorance of course requirements is no excuse.
If you do not wish to attend the on-campus orientation you may complete the
orientation on-line. The last day to complete your orientation, without penalty
is Saturday, June 1. Please make note, after this date, you may still take the
class, but your final grade will be penalized ten (10) points. Once I receive
your orientation information I will respond back usually within two to three
business days. Your orientation is not final until you have received my reply.
Please retain my reply for your records.
Site of the Open Campus of Distance Learning activities and resources including registration and
orientation information, web courses, and more. Check it out!
The American Philosophical Association is the main professional organization for philosophers in the United States. Founded in 1900, its mission is to promote the exchange of ideas among philosophers, to encourage creative and scholarly activity in philosophy, to facilitate the professional work and teaching of philosophers, and to represent philosophy as a discipline. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
In additional to this philosophy site, information can also be found by clicking on the philosophers name in the above Course Description. Philosophy Web Sites.
A portal of sites put together by Danney Ursery which deal with philosophy and related issues. Ethics Web Sites.
A portal of sites put together by Danney Ursery which deal with ethics and
related issues.