PHIL 106: Introduction to Philosophy
Citrus College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2021 |
| Credits: | 3 |
| Total Contact Hours: | 54 |
| Lecture Hours : | 54 |
| Lab Hours: | 0 |
| Hours Arranged: | 0 |
| Outside of Class Hours: | 108 |
| Strongly Recommended: | ENGL 101. |
| District General Education: | C2. Humanities |
| Transferable to CSU: | Yes |
| Transferable to UC: | Yes - Approved |
| Grading Method: | Standard Letter |
Catalog Course Description
The foundations of philosophy in terms of modes of critical thinking, significant philosophical problems, and a representative sampling of primary philosophical writings. 54 lecture hours.
Course Objectives
- define types of philosophical argumentation and apply then to philosophical issues
- describe the important philosophical problems of the past and present
- define the relationships of philosophy to religion and to science
- describe the lives and views of certain of the great philosophers
- apply philosophical concepts to problems with which the student is unfamiliar
- analyze philosophical concepts which emerge in everyday contexts
- state a philosophical thesis clearly, support it with arguments and examples, and anticipate and respond to reasonable objections
Major Course Content
- What is philosophy?
- Basic logic terminology
- The beginnings of philosophy; philosophy, religion, and science
- Socrates, Plato, and the Sophists
- The Euthyphro question
- Socrates on trial
- Socrates awaits his execution
- Philosophy of religion
- Arguments for the existence of God
- Religious experience, the problem of evil, faith and reason
- Classics of early modern philosophy: themes in Descartes’ Meditations
- Locke’s view, his criticism of Descartes
- Berkeley’s view, his criticism of Locke
- Hume’s view
- Some metaphysical topics
- The mind-body problem
- Free will and determinism
- The meaning of life and the fear of death
Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook
Reading photocopied handouts from public domain original sources, such as selections from Locke's Essay, Berkeley's Principles, and Hume's Essay.
Examples of Required Writing Assignments
Short essay assignments, for example Short Essay on Moral Relativism, Short Essay on Arguments for the Existence of God, and Short Essay on Determinism and Free Will; midterm essay, and final exam essay
Examples of Outside Assignments
Reading the text book and handouts, homework assignments consisting of questions on the readings, for example, Logic Terminology Questions, Reading Questions on Euthyphro, Reading Questions on Apology.
Instruction Type(s)
Lecture, Online Education Lecture
IGETC Area 3: Arts and Humanities
3B. Humanities