Department of Philosophy Trad 104 Mind, Matter, God J. Christopher Maloney maloney@u.arizona.edu Department of Philosophy Social Sciences 213

Graduate Teaching Associates All questions about grades should conveyed by email to Daniel Sanderman dsanderm@mail.sbs.arizona.edu Social Sciences 138

Graduate Teaching Associates Questions about course content should be addressed to Helen Daly hdaly@email.arizona.edu Social Sciences 130

Add/Drop I’ll sign Add forms only through August 31, 2009

Course Websites: Primary Site: D2L Course Site http://d2l.arizona.edu/ Secondary Site http://dingo.sbs.arizona.edu/~maloney/default.htm

What You Can Expect Critical examination of the great philosophical ideas in western history on the fundamental nature of the self the ultimate structure of reality the nature of human knowledge existence and nature of God

You Can Expect Me To: Present, evaluate, and explore the fundamentally important issues in our readings Where appropriate, show how these crucially important and ideas bear upon our time and experience Urge you critically to develop and assess your own relevant ideas

What I ask of You Your best efforts critical reflection on readings rigorous but considerate argumentation participation in discussion attendance; no late arrivals or early departures decorum: “chatters” may be asked to depart

Neuron Protection Program Here’s a deal: I promise always to end class three minutes early if Good decorum No premature “shuffling” No late arrivals and early departures

How To Prepare For Exams Attend all lectures; complete reading assignments See lecture notes on-line Review Study Guides on Web Office Hours Collaborative Study Groups Encouraged! Weekly Optional Review Sessions In a room soon to be specified on the website

Travel and Make-up Exams Travel, unless authorized by the Dean of Students for official University activities, is not an automatic excuse for a missed assignment, including exams and quizzes Documented serious problems, including illness, will serve as excuses for missed exams and allow for make-up exams if I’m notified in a timely manner

Class Discussion Class discussion is warmly welcomed and encouraged! Ask Questions! “Help ! I don’t understand this at all ! ” “Is Plato being consistent when he says X?” Challenge the author; Challenge me! Compare scientific and philosophical frontiers where uncertainty lives

How to Read Philosophy Think for yourself and question what you read! Give yourself lots of uninterrupted time Mark the text & take notes as you read to indicate Important Ideas Arguments Distinguish Premises (Reasons) from Conclusions Assess the arguments! Assess your assessment!