DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTSPHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHYMark Anthony L. Dacela

Philosophy Department, WH 505 DLSUmadphilo@yahoo.com

Yahoo group: intfilodlsumadhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/intfilodlsumad/

Facebook group: Introduction to PHILOSOPHY 3nd Term 2010 - 2011 (DLSU_MAD)

Course Description:

Philosophy, both as a way of life and an academic discipline, examines and understands the fundamental questions about the world and human life, seeks answers to these questions, and applies the answers to these questions, and applies the answers to daily living. It also examines the basis upon which beliefs are held, and explores possible interconnections among various fields of knowledge. This course shall introduce students to the ideas of some of the world’s greatest philosophers, which have shaped the way in which human beings think and live.

Course Outline:

Topics Reading Assignments Film Assignments

What is Philosophy?

What is the Value of Philosophy? Why study of Philosophy?

OverviewThe Problems of Philosophy (Chapter XV) Plato's Myth of the Cave

What can I know? (A brief course in Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Mind, and Epistemology)

Can I know the External World? How can I acquire knowledge? What does Truth mean?

Descartes' Meditation on First Philosophy (Meditations 1 and 2)

Waking Life Matrix

What should I do? (A brief course in Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy)

Am I free to act?Do rules govern my action?How do I make the right decisions?

Beyond Freedom and DignityNo Exit – SartreExistentialism is Humanism

Minority Report Stranger than Fiction

What may I hope? (A brief course in Philosophy of God, Life and Religion)

Does God exist?Can my life make sense?What is the Value of Religion?

Nietzsche's The Gay ScienceWhy I am NOT a ChristianAquinas_ Proving God's Existence

Yes Man Bruce Almighty

Course Requirements:

1. Attendance◦a. 3 absences = 0.0 (Final Grade)◦

2. Participation Students are expected to come to class prepared to contribute to the discussion. Participation includes active speaking as well as attentive listening. An atmosphere of respect, openness and patience is expected in the classroom. I have a strict NO LAPTOP, NO CELLPHONE POLICY.

3. Creative Outputs(Format would be discussed in class)*4. Bring the required readings in class. (Readings are uploaded on our Yahoo Group: File Section)

*Late requirements will not be accepted. Cheating in any form = 0.0 (Final Grade) ◦Perfect attendance + Complete requirements = + .5

NO FINAL EXAM/FINAL REQUIREMENT = 0.0 FINAL GRADE

Assessment and Evaluation 93-100 4.0

85-92 3.5

77-84 3.0

69-76 2.5

60-68 2.0

56-59 1.5

50-55 1.0

0 – 49 0.0

Each requirement has an equivalent number of points. The total number of points accumulated by the student will determine his/her final grade. 100 points is equivalent to 4.0, 50 points is equivalent to 1.0, and less than 50 points is equivalent to 0.0.

Grades are non-negotiable unless there are proofs of error in computation. For this purpose, students are required to keep all papers given back to them during the term until final grades are given. Under no circumstance will extra work for additional grade be given to those failing the course or those unsatisfied with their grade at the end of the term.