Philosophy
Philosophy explores some of life's most fundamental questions. What is distinctive about Philosophy is its effort to address these questions through the human capacity to reason: philosophical answers are based on logical arguments, which analyze and seek to justify beliefs. Thus, Philosophy is a kind of self-examination, in which you discover what you think, and then reflect on whether your opinions are really worth holding. This is the essence of the life of reason: to look critically at your own ideas.
During the term you will examine your views on several core philosophical topics: nature of reality, free will,personal identity, mind body relationship, the possibility of knowledge, morality and the nature of beauty. Along the way you will: read philosophical texts and to analyze their arguments and evaluate their answers to the questions of the course; see how philosophical concepts can help you understand practical dilemmas; understand the implications to a certain way of thinking; and express your ideas through arguments--both verbal and written--which present your reasons for holding your beliefs.
Syllabus
Identity: Swapping bodies
Ethics Powerpoint
During the term you will examine your views on several core philosophical topics: nature of reality, free will,personal identity, mind body relationship, the possibility of knowledge, morality and the nature of beauty. Along the way you will: read philosophical texts and to analyze their arguments and evaluate their answers to the questions of the course; see how philosophical concepts can help you understand practical dilemmas; understand the implications to a certain way of thinking; and express your ideas through arguments--both verbal and written--which present your reasons for holding your beliefs.
Syllabus
Identity: Swapping bodies
Ethics Powerpoint