Description:

Students will examine the basic questions of philosophical inquiry, such as the nature of being, and the ways humans acquire knowledge and moral, social, religious and political values. Emphasis is on the application of the study of traditional problems of philosophy to the study of contemporary society. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with and understanding of basic philosophical terminology and concepts.
2. Identify, analyze and explain classical theories of metaphysics, epistemology and ethics.
3. Identify the major historical figures in the development of classical theories of metaphysics, epistemology and ethics, as well as important figures in contemporary debates in these areas.
4. Demonstrate an ability to develop and evaluate philosophical analyses and arguments, showing an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of alternative points of view.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the issues, problems, and practices involved in our effort to make philosophic sense of our beliefs about reality, knowledge and values.
6. Demonstrate habits of character contributive of academic and philosophical excellence.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Nature of Philosophy
   A. Defining philosophy and its areas of inquiry
      1. Explain the Socratic understanding of wisdom.
      2. Define metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and logic.
   B. The Critical Tradition
      1. Explain the Socratic model of inquiry.
      2. Explain the search for meaning.

II. Reality
   A. The natural world
      1. Explain the mind/body problem.
      2. Identify and explain the philosophical significance of classical
and modern theories of space and time.
      3. Identify and explain the philosophical problems associated with
matter and causality.
   B. Transcendent reality
      1. Explain the classical philosophical arguments for and against the
existence of God.
      2. Identify and explain the philosophical issues surrounding theism
and atheism.
   C. Consciousness
      1. Explain the problem of free will.
      2. Explain the problem of personal identity.
      3. Identify and explain the philosophical problems associated with
death.

III. Knowledge
   A. Skepticism
      1. Explain sophism.
      2. Explain Cartesian skepticism.
   B. The Rational Tradition
      1. Explain classical rationalism.
      2. Explain Cartesian rationalism.
   C. The Empirical Tradition
      1. Explain classical empiricism.
      2. Explain the modern empiricism of Locke and Hume.

IV. Values
   A. Problems of ethics
      1. Explain egoism.
      2. Explain moral relativism.
   B. Theories of duty and value
      1. Explain deontology.
      2. Explain utilitarianism.
      3. Explain virtue ethics.
      4. Explain existentialism’s critique of modern moral theory.

NOTE:  Individual instructors may vary the order of the outline as it
appears here and may emphasize some subtopics of the outline to the
exclusion of others.  What is assured is that this list of major topics
represents the topics that will be covered in the course.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Written exams:      40 - 70%
Papers:             30 - 60%
Quizzes:             0 - 30%
Class participation: 0 - 30%
  Total:              100%

Grading Scale:
  A = 90 - 100%
  B = 80 -  89%
  C = 70 -  79%
  D = 60 -  69%
  F = below 60%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.