An Introduction to Philosophy Dr. Elizabeth Shadish Section 2554

Orientation Session Roster/Adding and Dropping Roster/Adding and Dropping If space permits, I will add at the end of the session today.If space permits, I will add at the end of the session today. Review of Basic Course Information Review of Basic Course Information Comments/Questions about Course Content Comments/Questions about Course Content

While the Roster is Called… Your Orientation Quiz will cover the course description, policies and the syllabus information. Your Orientation Quiz will cover the course description, policies and the syllabus information. Bring a 10-question scantron to class on Feb. 21 for this quiz.Bring a 10-question scantron to class on Feb. 21 for this quiz. “Philosophy begins in wonder “ Aristotle “Philosophy begins in wonder “ Aristotle

Using the Syllabus Readings indicate chapters (Rachels) or debates (Waller) you should be prepared to discuss in class (that is, read ahead). The “Tests/Assignments/Notes” column should keep you on track regarding your varied assignments. Dates for these assignments are rarely changed; typically, I will adjust the content of the test rather than move the date.

Assignments and Grading Journals – personal and supported reflections on some philosophical questions Journals – personal and supported reflections on some philosophical questions Tests – MC/TF/Short Answer tests in class Tests – MC/TF/Short Answer tests in class Orientation Quiz – from course policies, syllabus and course descriptionOrientation Quiz – from course policies, syllabus and course description Debates – guided debate-like class discussions of some topics Debates – guided debate-like class discussions of some topics

Course Policies The “nos” – no extra credit, no late debate reports (with one exception) The “nos” – no extra credit, no late debate reports (with one exception) The “maybes” – late Journal submissions are accepted but penalized; electronic submissions are accepted in the right format The “maybes” – late Journal submissions are accepted but penalized; electronic submissions are accepted in the right format A suggestion – keep all your graded work! A suggestion – keep all your graded work!

Course Content The love of (philo) wisdom (sophia) Conflicting beliefs can generate philosophical inquiry. If we’re free, why do we do what we don’t want to do? If we all have our own values, why does every society agree that wanton murder is wrong?

Philosophy through Debates Two sides given fair presentation Two sides given fair presentation Comparison, for selecting the best position Comparison, for selecting the best position Exposure to the “give and take” of issue-oriented debate Exposure to the “give and take” of issue-oriented debate

The Personal - Some Useful Philosophical Attitudes Open-mindedness Open-mindedness Critical thinking Critical thinking A willingness to engage in and trust reasoned debate A willingness to engage in and trust reasoned debate

Methods of Philosophy Issues of meaning Definitions, clarification, understanding Issues of truth Support, evidence, application of principles Issues of logic Assumptions, implications

Your Resources You will have plenty of help – but you must use it! You will have plenty of help – but you must use it! Basic course material, of course!Basic course material, of course! Each other, through class discussion and other collaborationEach other, through class discussion and other collaboration Professor AccessibilityProfessor Accessibility SOCS 213B – Office Hours, 8- 9:30 am TT SOCS 213B – Office Hours, 8- 9:30 am TT

Online Resources Website: dish/Phil2/Index2.htm dish/Phil2/Index2.htm Course informationCourse information Details of AssignmentsDetails of Assignments Some PowerPointsSome PowerPoints Select study aidsSelect study aids

So, Let’s Get Started! Read Chapter 1 in the Rachels text – “The Legacy of Socrates” Read Chapter 1 in the Rachels text – “The Legacy of Socrates” Read actively: Read actively: Jot down your thoughts and questions as you readJot down your thoughts and questions as you read Use a dictionaryUse a dictionary Question everything – even your own views Question everything – even your own views