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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PH 101-3"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Philosophical Thinking"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: David Levy
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
We all have opinions about what is true and false, right and wrong, what is just, divine, and beautiful, what the self, mind, and soul are, or what makes us free. But can we justify our opinions about such things? Have we given rational and open-minded consideration to criticisms and alternatives, or are our opinions perhaps based only on prejudices and assumptions? In this course you will learn to use philosophical thinking to test and improve your opinions and your ability to evaluate the claims of important philosophers. Through the study and discussion of philosophical texts, classic or contemporary, you will grapple with issues of fundamental human importance and develop your capacities for careful reading, clear writing and speaking, and logical argumentation.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The young, wealthy, and ambitious Meno, in Plato's dialogue by that name, wants to know whether virtue, by which he means the ability to acquire what he considers the good things in life, can be taught. But the philosopher Socrates, to whom Meno directs this question, claims not even to know what virtue is and goes on to show that Meno doesn't know either. Or does Socrates know more than he lets on? We will try to find out through a careful reading of this famous dialogue, paying due regard to its playfulness and irony as well as its seriousness.

We will then turn to two other classic works which treat, from very different perspectives, some of the same themes as the Meno, in particular the relation between virtue and happiness: Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals and J.S. Mill's Utilitarianism

Students should be advised that these texts are quite challenging and will demand repeated close readings. In studying them we will be guided by the following words of Francis Bacon:

"Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly and with diligence and attention" (italics added). 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Gain experience in the careful reading of great texts. 

2. Learn how to understand and evaluate a philosophical argument  and how to make one.  

3. Improve your capacity for clear and logical thinking, speaking, and writing.

4. Gain a basic understanding of some major philosophical problems and of some alternative solutions to them.

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (revised version, 2012)Immanuel KantCambridge9781107401068  Hard Copy  
On Liberty, Utilitarianism and Other EssaysJohn Stuart MillOxford World Classics9780199670802  Hard Copy  
Protagoras and MenoPlato Cornell9780801441998  Hard Copy  
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Kant's Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals: A CommentaryJens TimmermannCambridge9780511289071https://jculibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/271790393 
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
class participation(1) Students are expected to attend all classes, to have done the readings carefully in preparation for class, and to have a hard copy of the readings with them for reference and discussion. The use of electronic devices in class is not permitted. (2) A written reflection of approximately one paragraph on the assigned reading is due every class, except when you turn in a paper. (If you are absent you may turn in two reflections the following class.) The reflection should aim primarily at explaining and interpreting a section of the reading, and should demonstrate that you have studied the text carefully. (3) Requests for an excused absence should be made in advance whenever possible. (4) Be punctual and do not leave the classroom during class except for emergencies. Eating in class is not permitted (drinking is OK).20
3 papersApproximately 1200 words. Late papers will be assessed a penalty unless an extension has been granted in advance. You must cite in your paper the assigned editions and translations of the readings; failure to do so will negatively affect your grade. Please note that your papers may be submitted to Turnitin (a plagiarism detection program).60
final examEssay questions on the assigned readings. 20

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
A Work of this quality provides a coherent, orderly argument based on a very careful reading of the relevant texts and a solid understanding of the relevant issues. The student displays superior reasoning skills and has done a good deal of original thinking about the material. He or she knows how to raise important questions about the text and to evaluate possible answers to them. The student writes very clearly and has a near-perfect command of English usage and grammar. (Appropriate allowances are made for those for whom English is not a first language.)
BThis is a good level of performance. The student displays a capacity for careful reading and good reasoning. The work reflects some original thinking and is not simply a repetition of lecture material and readings. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions. The student writes clearly and has a good command of English usage and grammar.
CThis is an acceptable, or fair, level of performance. The student provides answers that are clear but limited, consisting mainly in a repetition of the text or lectures. The student has some ability to write clearly and correctly.
DThe student fails to demonstrate a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and/or irrelevant points included. The paper is poorly organized, and the student shows limited ability to write clearly and correctly.
FThis work fails to show any significant knowledge of the texts and the issues. Most of the material is irrelevant or inaccurate. There is no coherent argument and the student shows little ability to write clearly and correctly. This grade is also given for an act of plagiarism or other form of academic dishonesty.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 5: Introduction

Part One: Plato, Meno

Sept. 7: Meno, 70a-72a (you will find these numbers in the left margins of each page)

Sept. 12: 72a-74b

Sept. 14: 74b-77a

Sept. 19: 77a-79e

Sept. 21: 79e-82b

Sept. 26: No class. Make-up class Sept. 27

Sept. 27: (In room G11 at 7:30 pm) 82b-84d

Sept. 28: 84d-86c

Oct. 3: 86c-89c

Oct. 5: No class. Make-up class Oct. 6

Oct. 6: (In room G11 at 7:30 pm) 89c-95a. Receive first paper assignment.

Oct. 10: 95a-end

Part Two: Kant, Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals

If you wish you may use the “easy” version of this text published on www.earlymoderntexts.com (also on Moodle), but always bring the assigned version to class.

Oct. 12: pp. ix-xiii, 3-8. Make sure you understand clearly the a prior/a posteriori distinction explained on p. ix. For Kant’s own explanation of this distinction, see the excerpt from his Critique of Pure Reason, pp. 136-38, on Moodle (this last reading is recommended but not required).

Oct. 17: pp. 9-20. First paper due.

Oct. 19: pp. 21-28 (to end of first paragraph)

Oct. 24: pp. 28-37 (to the end of the middle paragraph). To understand the last paragraph on p. 30 and what follows, review p. xi on the meaning of “analytic” and “synthetic.”

Oct. 26: pp. 37-44 (to the end of the paragraph that begins, “Thus the principle”)

Oct. 31: pp. 44-51 (up to the section entitled “The autonomy of the will…”

Nov. 2: pp. 51-55. Receive second paper assignment.

Nov. 7: pp. 56-64 (up to the section entitled “On the extreme boundary…” ); “Introduction to Third Section of the Groundwork” (Moodle).

Nov. 9: pp. 64-72

Part Three: John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism

Feel free to make use of the “easy” version of this text published on www.earlymoderntexts.com (also on Moodle), but always bring the assigned version to class.

Nov. 14: pp. ix-xvi (up to the section entitled “Intellectual commitments”), 113-121 (to the end of the paragraph that begins “The creed…”). Second paper due.

Nov. 16: pp. 121-127 (up to the paragraph that begins “The objectors….”). Optional: “Outline of Mill, chap. 2” (on Moodle).

Nov. 21: pp. 127-135 (up to the paragraph that begins “It may not be superfluous….”)

Nov. 23: pp. 135-139. Receive third paper assignment

Nov. 28: pp. 140-147

Nov. 30: pp. 148-154. Optional: G.E. Moore’s objection to Mill’s argument on p. 148 (Moodle).

Dec. 5: pp. 155-162 (up to the paragraph that begins “This, therefore….”). Third paper due.

Dec. 7: pp. 162-177. Prep for final exam.