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Instructor: Jesse Hughes Office: Morison Hall 111
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Email:
jhughes@bentley.edu Required text: Adler & Elgin's Philosophical Inquiry Course schedule |
This is a broad introduction to philosophy, in which we will touch on many traditional subjects. We will begin with a section on epistemology (What stuff can we know and how?) and metaphysics (What stuff is there anyway?). Our second section is an overview of classical ethical theories (What should one do? Why should one try to be good anyway?), and our final section discusses certain problems of applied ethics (Is abortion morally acceptable? What moral duties apply in a state of war?)
The purpose of this class is to teach students to critically evaluate philosophy texts, to express themselves clearly in philosophical writing and to discuss philosophy. In addition, students will read classic texts in epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics, philosophy of mind and philosophy of language and gain a broad overview of some of the seminal questions of philosophy.
This course should be a break from your regular studies, a chance to look at very different issues. These topics are picked because they stimulate discussion and thought, which is my main objective in the course. I want the students to be genuinely interested in our material.
We will begin each day with a brief recap of the story so far. This is also a chance for students to ask questions about previous material. Following this, we will discuss the day's readings. My role will be to pick out the main issues and to summarize, but the majority of the period will be devoted to discussion rather than lecture. You should come to class prepared to contribute---and this includes bringing questions you want answered. We will learn philosophy by doing philosophy, and that means by thinking about the issues and exchanging ideas in class.
I expect students to put in the time to understand the material. But I also want students to enjoy these thorny and interesting topics. Philosophy is an interesting subject, but you'll never notice the fascinating bits unless you're willing to do the reading and think about the subject.
Attendance is mandatory. You will not do well unless you attend class and participate in the discussion. This is how one learns philosophy.
In addition, class participation is an explicit part
of the final grade. You must be prepared to contribute in class.
You are expected to keep up on the readings, given on the course schedule. You need to carefully read the material prior to each class. It is not enough to come and listen to the lecture. Philosophy requires careful reading and some time to think about it. I'd like for students to make notes as they read—especially writing down questions about confusing passages! If something is not clear, then bring it up in class and we can discuss it. Asking questions is a good way to contribute to the discussion.
It is not hard to spot the students who come to class prepared. It is very difficult to fake it when discussing philosophy. And believe me when I say that it's a lot harder to cram for an exam if you haven't done the reading beforehand.
I will assign two two-page text summaries. These summaries will involve narrow, focused questions which can be answered by a careful reading of the text. I do not want any original opinions or criticisms. Rather, I want you to explain in your own words what the author says about the issue.
There will be an additional paper involving utilitarianism. This will include original argument.
It goes without saying that plagiarism is unacceptable. When you turn in a paper, it must be your own work. This also means that, when reporting what Descartes says, you must put it in your own words! (In general, it would be okay to quote Descartes, but I prefer to keep quotation to a minimum in text summaries.)
Any plagiarism will result in an academic integrity report, no exceptions. Plagiarism includes the following:
In summary: cheating is bad. Don't be bad.
Late assignments are penalized one letter grade per school day. Thus, if it is due on Monday, it is worthless by Friday. Exceptions are given, but only for valid excuses accepted prior to the due date.
Each section of the course will be concluded with an exam. The
exam will typically consist of six questions which can be answered
in a few paragraphs. You are required to answer any four of the
six questions. The exam is closed book.
The final exam (required) will not be cumulative. It will deal only with the final section of the course.
Missed exams should be excused at least twenty-four hours before the examination. They should be made up within one week of the scheduled exam unless an extended (and excused) absence is unavoidable.
The last lecture before each exam will be a review session. Come prepared to ask questions.
I will not put up with disruptive behavior. Consequently, I do not want private conversations, cellphones ringing or text messaging. Cell phones should be stowed for the duration of the lecture and discussion. I do not recommend it, but you may use a laptop in the classroom so long as it does not interfere with your or others' abilities to follow the discussion.
But these and a thousand other rules are just plain common sense and I won't go through the others. Show up prepared and willing to participate and do not deprive others of the opportunity to do the same.
As stated above, late assignments are penalized one letter grade per day. Plagiarism intentional or not results in a failing grade on that exam or homework. If you use the thoughts, words or arguments of someone else—including one of our authors—say so.
I encourage students to discuss text summaries beforehand, but you must turn in your own writing. If two students discuss the topic before writing, they may produce similar papers and this can look like cheating. So, if you think that you and your friend may turn in similar papers, then you should give me a note acknowledging that you talked about the assignment but that you each wrote your papers by yourselves. That's the best way to avoid nasty misunderstandings and suspicions.
The final grade will be reckoned as follows:
| Item | %'age |
| Text summaries | 30% |
| Utilitarianism paper | 10% |
| Exams | 60% |
Students are responsible for all material presented in the course and for completing the assignments and examinations on time. Absence is no excuse for failing to learn the material or completing assignments on time.
Bentley University abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which stipulate no students shall be denied the benefits of an education solely by reason of a disability. If you have a hidden or visible disability which may require classroom accommodations, please make an appointment with the Coordinator of Disability Services, Stephanie Brodeur, within the first 4 weeks of the semester. The Office of Disability Services is located in the Office of Counseling and Student Development (CSD), LaCava 166, 781.891.2274. The Coordinator of Disability Services is responsible for coordinating accommodations and services for students with disabilities.
The syllabus is available at http://phiwumbda.org/~jesse/teaching/ProbPhil/syll.html.