Course Syllabus

Tentative Syllabus for Philosophy, Fall 2024

 

How can we lead wiser, more meaningful lives?  In this class we will be exploring some of the ways, past and present, that philosophy has helped people pursue wisdom and find their way in the world.  During this semester we will learn about the fundamentals of philosophy and study the perspectives of some of history’s greatest thinkers.  Our course work will take the form of lectures, discussion, reading, and short writing assignments, as well as True/False quizzes.  To supplement our course you will each be loaned a copy of  Eric Weiner’s  The Socrates Express.

• Introduction to Philosophy: (September 4–12) 

• Topics: Intro to Philosophy lecture, The Four Main Branches of Philosophy lecture, and Philosophy Questions writing assignment.

• Quiz: Introduction to Philosophy Quiz on September 16.

• Beginners’ Philosophy: (September 18–October 24) 

• Topics: Marcus Aurelius & Stoicism, Socrates & Rationalism, and Thoreau & Transcendentalism short lectures, with discussion and writing assignments. 

• Readings: “Part One: Dawn” of The Socrates Express, pages 3-77.

• Quiz: Beginners’ Philosophy Quiz on October 24.

• Intermediate Philosophy: (October 28–December 6) 

• Topics: Epicurus & Epicureanism, Gandhi & Utopian Socialism, and Confucius & Confucianism short lectures, with discussion and writing assignments. 

• Readings: “Part Two: Noon” of The Socrates Express, pages 101-183.

• Quiz: Intermediate Philosophy Quiz on December 6.

• End Game Philosophy: (December 10–January 15) 

• Topics: Nietzsche & Nietzscheanism, Beauvoir & Existentialism, and Montaigne & Humanism short lectures, with discussion and writing assignments. 

• Readings: “Part Three: Dusk” of The Socrates Express, pages 203-269.

• Quiz: End Game Philosophy Quiz January 15.

What You Need for This Class

 

A Notebook/Binder A spiral bound, college ruled notebook with pockets for handouts, or a 3-ring binder with plenty of lined paper in it would be ideal.  

 

Pens and/or Pencils You will need something with which to write every, single day.  

 

Your Laptop Much of the work you do in this class will be submitted on Canvas via your laptop---please try to charge that sucker up BEFORE you come to class!

 

Your Copy of The Socrates Express   Bring it every day.

Course Objectives

 

Students will gain an understanding of what philosophy is and some of the ways that it can work. Students will become familiar with the biographies of nine different philosophers from various eras, backgrounds, and origins.

Students will gain a working knowledge of the basic tenets of nine different schools of philosophical thought.

Students will attempt to stretch their minds in different ways by pondering various philosophical questions and sharing their answers in written form or discussion and debate.

Grading

 

Daily assignments (about two times a week) are worth 10-30 points; quizzes (all True/False, occurring 4 times during the semester) are worth 40-100 points.

A Final Note to Consider

What should you do if you find yourself struggling in this class?  What if you’ve fallen behind in your work, or have missed school, or just don’t get the material?  CHECK CANVAS FIRST, and then and only then, come to see me for help before school, after school, during break, and during most lunches.  And of course there’s always email:  (m.lowe@georgestevens.org)