PHI 1010 Course Outline S

This document provides an overview of PHI 1010: Introduction to Philosophy. It outlines the background, rationale, learning outcomes, course content, assessment, and recommended readings for the course. The course aims to teach students philosophical terminology, critical thinking skills, and different areas of philosophy including epistemology, logic, ethics, metaphysics, philosophy of religion, and political philosophy. Assessment will consist of 4 tests throughout the semester accounting for 50% of the grade, and a final exam making up the remaining 50%. There are no prerequisites for the course.

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PHI 1010 Course Outline S

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Joshua Bupe

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PHI 1010: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Background

Philosophy is the love of wisdom in that a person who pursues wisdom is one who
systematically studies reality, carefully constructs one's position, rationally considers and
analyses the claims of others, and one who is keen to identify faulty reasoning in one's and
others' claims. Philosophy is unique in its methods and breadth in that it pursues questions in
every dimension of human life, and its techniques apply to problems in any field of study or
human endeavor. It seeks to establish standards of evidence, to provide rational methods of
resolving conflicting views, to create techniques for evaluating ideas and arguments, and
reflects on the claims of other disciplines for coherence. Philosophy develops one’s capacity
to see the world from a broader and objective perspective, and deepens one’s sense of the
meaning and varieties of human experience.

Rationale

Many careers and disciplines of study require critical reasoning and analytical skills, good
communication skills, and general problem-solving skills. Philosophy teaches good
argumentation, careful and close reading of texts, good logical analysis, spotting of bad
reasoning, and clear writing. Studying philosophy is also a great preparation for studies in
other disciplines such as law, religion, environment, communication, business, and other
social sciences.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students are expected to:

i. Use philosophical terminology correctly and consistently;
ii. Show an awareness of what is involved in correct thinking and reasoning;
iii. Develop a critically reflective mind with regard to the nature and meaning of
reality, and the process of human thinking;
iv. Demonstrate an understanding of different philosophical topics, arguments,
problems, and approaches with respect to the fields of ethics, politics, religion,
epistemology, and metaphysics;
v. Identify strengths and weaknesses in the arguments philosophers have put
forward for their views;
vi. Explain the relevance of philosophy to the different areas of human life;
vii. Adopt a critical personal stance with regard to these fields;

Prerequisite: None

COURSE CONTENT

1. General Introduction
(a) What is philosophy?
(b) What is the importance of studying Philosophy?
2. Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge)
(a) Definition of epistemology
(b) Definition and justification of knowledge (knowledge as justified true belief
and problems that arise from this definition)
(c) How is knowledge acquired? (Rationalism and empiricism)
(d) Skepticism

3. Logic
(a) Basic logical concepts
(b) Analyzing arguments
(c) Propositions
(d) Fallacies

4. Ethics (Moral Philosophy)

(a) Overview of ethics
(b) Metaethics (ethical relativism, moral objectivism)
(c) Normative ethical theories (consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics)
(d) Issues in applied ethics.

5. Metaphysics
(a) Definition and scope of metaphysics
(b) The problem of permanence and change
(c) The mind-body problem
(d) The problem of free will and determinism
(e) Types of metaphysical systems (Platonism, Aristotelianism, Epicurianism,
Stoicism, Cartesianism, Idealism, Solipsism, Materialism, Naturalism)

6. Philosophy of Religion
(a) Overview of philosophy of religion and forms of religious belief
(b) Relationship between faith and reason
(c) Attributes and nature of God
(d) Arguments for the reasonableness of belief in the existence of God
(e) The problem of evil

7. Political Philosophy
(a) Definition of political philosophy;
(b) Critical analysis of the political philosophies of Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Mill,
Marx and Rawls
(c) Problems of democracy as a political system

Assessment

Component of assessment Number Contribution to overall grading

(%)
1. Continuous Assessment
Assignments None
Tests 4 50
Other components None
Sub-total of continuous 50
assessment
2. Final examination 1 50
PRESCRIBED READINGS

Chaffee, J., 2013. Philosopher's Way: A Text with Readings. Fourth Edition. New York,
Pearson.
Popkin, R. H. and A. Stroll, 1989. Philosophy Made Simple. London, Heinemann.
Velasquez, M., 2014. Philosophy: A Text with Readings. Twelfth Edition. Boston,
Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

PHI 1010 Course Outline S

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PHI 1010 Course Outline S

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PHI 1010: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

By the end of this course, students are expected to:

4. Ethics (Moral Philosophy)

Component of assessment Number Contribution to overall grading

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