University of Detroit Mercy

Winter 2006

PHILOSOPHY 100

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

 

Instructor:

   Dr. Robert Francis Allen

 

Section: 05

 

Meeting Days/Times:

T & R 8:30-9:45

  

Room:
B 350

  

Instructor’s E-mail:

Allen1rf@cmich.edu

 

Website: http://home.twmi.rr.com/robertallen

 

 

 

Course:

      Philosophy 100: An Introduction to Philosophy    

      (3 Credit Hrs.)

 

Texts:

Philosophy for the 21st Century, (PTC) ed. Steven Cahn, Oxford University Press

 

Philosophical Problems, (PP) Robert F. Allen (to be downloaded from my website: http://home.twmi.rr.com/robertallen)

 

           

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

 

1. Understand the problems that make up each branch of philosophy.

 

2. Logically develop solutions to these problems.

 

3. Describe the solutions to these problems proposed by historical and contemporary philosophers.

 

4. Read philosophy.

 

5. Write a philosophical essay.

 

 

 

 

Method of Instruction:

 

Lectures, writing assignments, and discussions.

 

Student Responsibilities:

 

1.      A student is responsible for being prepared to participate in classroom discussions.  As a college student, you are expected to schedule at least two hours of study time outside of class for each hour the class meets.  Don’t expect to understand every topic the first time it is presented; review often; spend as much time as necessary to master the material.

2.      A student is responsible for knowing the material presented in class even if absent.

 

 

Attendance Policy:

 

·         Attendance is taken daily. Consistent class attendance is necessary to successfully complete this course

·         Be punctual.

·         Find a “study buddy” and exchange phone numbers with at least two other students for class information if you are absent.

 

                                    Name                                       Phone Number           Best Time to Call

 

                                            

 

                                            

 

 

Classroom Etiquette:

 

·         Avoid “private” conversations that distract the instructor and other students.

·         Remember that the instructor is the one to end the class ‑ do not prepare to leave early.

 

Tests and Term Paper:

 

A. 2 Exams, each worth up to 45 points (consisting of Essay and True/False Questions).

 

B. Term Paper (3-5 pages), worth up to 10 points (graded on the basis of thoroughness, clarity, and strength of reasoning; examples of essays meeting these requirements will be provided).  Due last day of class.

 

Grading Scale:

 

 

100-90

A

 

 

74

C

 

89

A-

 

 

73

C

 

88

A-

 

 

72

C

 

87

B+

 

 

71

C

 

86

B+

 

         Average

70

C

         Excellent

85

B+

 

 

69

C-

 

84

B

 

 

68

C-

 

83

B

 

 

67

D

 

82

B

 

 

66

D

 

81

B

 

Below Average

65

D

        Very Good

80

B

 

 

64

D

 

79

B-

 

 

63

D

 

78

B-

 

 

62

D

 

77

C+

 

 

61

D

 

76

C+

 

               Poor

60

D

                 Good

75

C

 

Unacceptable

59 & Below

E

 

 

Determination of Final Grade:

Final Grade determined by adding points earned.  E.g., 20 points 1st exam, 25 points 2nd exam, 15 points quizzes, Essay 10 points = 70 points = C.  Students who do not officially withdraw from this course, have a score that falls in the unacceptable range, or do not take the final exam will receive a final grade of E.

 

 

Important Dates:

 

         Final Exam                                                             

 

         Last Day to Withdraw:                                                 

 

         No Class Meetings:                                                               

 

 

Sequence of Instruction:   

 

NOTE TO STUDENTS:            The basic topics in this course must be covered but may be accomplished using a modified version of the calendar listed below.

 

 

            Week                                        Topics

 

            Week 1:            Metaphilosophy, Logic (Introduction PTC: Blackburn; Ch 1 PP)

 

            Week 1:                     Properties (Ch. 4 PTC: Russell; Ch. 2 PP)

 

            Week 2:            Substance and Identity (Ch. 4 PTC: van Inwagen, Lewis; Chs. 3-5 PP)

 

            Week 3:         Same as week 2

 

            Week 4:            Persons (Ch. 4 & 5 PTC: Descartes, Fodor, Parfit; Ch. 6 PP)

 

            Week 5:         Free Will (Ch. 4 PTC: Chisolm, Frankfurt, van Inwagen; Ch. 8 PP)

 

            Week 6:         Same as week 5

 

Week 7:            Review and Midterm Exam

 

            Week 8:         Space and Time (Ch. 4 PTC: Aristotle, Black, Taylor)

 

            Week 9:            Language (Ch. 6 PTC: Frege, Russell, Kripke; Ch. 10 PP))

 

            Week 10:       Same as week 9

 

            Week 11:            Knowledge (Ch. 2 PTC: Descartes; Ch.  9 PP)

 

            Week 12:                   Science (Ch. 3 PTC: Hempel, Boyd)

 

            Week 13:       Ethics (Ch. 7 PTC Mill, Kant, Singer; Ch. 11 PP)

 

            Week 14:            Politics (Ch. 8 PTC: Rawls, Nozick, Cohen; Ch. 12, PP)

           

Week 15:       Art (Ch. 9 PTC: Hume) Review and Final Exam