Phil 1101: Introduction to Philosophy

University of Minnesota, Morris
Fall 2008
Professor Collier
Tu & Th 2:00-3:40, 4:00-5:40
Hum 205

Rembrandt, Aristotle contemplating a bust of Homer

Course Description: How should we live our lives? What happens after death? What is the relationship between the mind and body? Does God exist? Why do bad things happen to good people? In this course, we will examine classical works in philosophy that address these big questions about human nature and its place in the universe. Authors include: Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, Lucretius, Sextus Empiricus, Descartes, and Hume. We will also work on the development of philosophical writing, reading, and speaking skills.

Course Requirements: This course will be structured around a combination of lectures and class discussions/group work. This means that you should come to class well-prepared (i.e. with a solid understanding of the readings for the day and questions for discussion). You will be expected to make significant contributions in class discussions and web-forum discussions.

Attendance and Exams: You must attend every meeting of this course. Quizzes may be given in class periodically throughout the semester.

Grade Distribution:

Four Exams: 15% each
Two Papers: 15% each
Class Participation: 10%

CLASS SCHEDULE

Ancient Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle

Aug 28 Introduction
Sept 2 Plato (I): Euthyphro
Sept 4 Plato (II): Apology
Sept 9 Plato (III): Crito
Sept 11 Plato (IV): Phaedo: "Death Scene" and Phaedo: "Release of the Soul" (e-reserve)
Sept 16 Aristotle (I): Nichomachean Ethics I: 1-5, 7-8 (pp. 1-5, 7-11)
Sept 18 Aristotle (II): Nichomachean Ethics X: 6-8 (pp. 162-167)
Sept 23 TEST #1

Ancient Roman Philosophy: Epicureans, Stoics, and Skeptics

Sept 25 Epictetus (I): Discourses Book I.6, 9, 12, 16; Book II.14
Sept 30 Epictetus (II): Book IV.1; Book I.1; III: 2-3, 8, 24 (lines 84-118)
Oct 2 Lucretius (I): Nature of Things Book I: 1-450, 616-628
Oct 7 Lucretius (II): II: 1-110 and 168-184; V:158-237; II: 217-293; III: 1-416.
Oct 9 Lucretius (III): Book II: 992-1176; Book III: 417-1094
Oct 14 Sextus Empiricus (I): Outlines of Pyrrhonism I: 1-15 (e-reserve)
Oct 16 TEST #2
Oct 21 FALL BREAK

Modern Rationalism: Descartes

Oct 23 Descartes (I): Meditations I and II
Oct 28 FILM DAY: "Matrix and Philosophy" Documentary
Oct 30 Descartes (II): Meditations III
Nov 4 Descartes (III): Meditations IV
Nov 6 Descartes (IV): Meditations V & Supplementary Proofs of God’s Existence (pdf)
Nov 11 Descartes (V): Meditations VI
Nov 13 TEST #3

Modern Empiricism: Hume

Nov 18 Hume (I): Dialogues on Natural Religion, Parts I-II
Nov 20 Hume (II): Dialogues on Natural Religion, Parts III-V
Nov 25 NO CLASS
Nov 27 THANKSGIVING BREAK
Dec 2 Hume (III): Dialogues on Natural Religion, Parts VI-IX
Dec 4 Hume (IV): Dialogues on Natural Religion, Parts X-XI
Dec 9 Hume (V): Dialogues on Natural Religion, Part XII
Dec 11 Hume (VI): “Of Miracles”

Date TBA : Fourth Exam

* = electronic course reserve

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