Summer 2016 (05/10/16 - 06/09/16)

TWTh 6-9:20pm

Philosophy 101
Introduction to Philosophy
Section 1312

Instructor: Jennifer Smith

E-Mail: smithje@mjc.edu
Website: philosophyclass.weebly.com
Location: Founders 174
Office Hours: By Appointment Only

Overview

Materials

This course examines some of the central problems of philosophy, using both
contemporary readings and historical texts. Students will be introduced to
philosophys tool kit as well as its greatest hits. Topics include: epistemology,
personal identity, human knowledge and the philosophy of mind. Further details
are contained in the syllabus below. There are no prerequisites for this class.

An Introduction to Philosophy:
Classical and Contemporary
Readings. Seventh Edition. John
Perry, Michael Bratman and John
Martin Fischer.
ISBN: 978-0-19-981299-8

Goals

Analyze and evaluate the issues and possible solutions to the "Great
Questions" asked by philosophers.
Synthesize a world view based on an array of the possible solutions to
the "Great Questions" asked by philosophers. Construct arguments in support of, and in opposition to, the worldviews
generated by the possible solutions to the questions asked
by philosophers.

Important Dates Summer 2016

May 1

Summer classes begin.

May 29

Memorial Day Holiday

July 4

Requirements
o
o
o
o
o

Participation and Homework: 10%

Midterm Exam: 25%
Final Exam: 25%
Knowledge and Reality Paper: 20%
Minds, Bodies and Persons Paper: 20%

Independence Day Holiday

August 19

Summer Semester Ends

Late Work and Makeup Exams

I do not accept late papers or give makeup exams. You will be informed in class
well in advance of each deadline and exam date and I will remind you
frequently. Should you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out what was
missed and know when papers are due.

Introduction to Philosophy
Section 1312

Class Policies
PLAGIARISM: If you plagiarize work in this class you will receive a zero for that assignment and perhaps an F in the class at my
discretion. I may also report the infraction to the vice president of instruction at Modesto Junior College. The most common form
of plagiarism is taking articles, papers, or selections from a website-based source and presenting it as your own work or having
another student write a paper for you. Don't plagiarize!
CELL PHONES & LAPTOPS: unless the phone call is from me, I ask you to turn off your cell phones before entering class. No
texting, no emailing, no surfing, no movies, no music while in class. It's rude to me, it's rude to others, and it's usually obvious to
everyone around you, including me. No laptop use while in class, unless you sit in the front row.
EATING: you may eat in class if your food intake is minimal. Please do not bring noisy food to class.
OFFICE HOURS: If you are having difficulties in the course, come speak with me as soon as possible! Although I do not offer
office hours, I am available after class for extra help. I am also happy to arrange another time, or help via email.
ATTENDANCE: I reserve the right to drop students who have not attended for 3 consecutive class sessions as measured by HW
and in-class exercises.
STUDENT DISABILITIES: I will make every effort to work with students with disabilities. If you have a learning or other
disability you should let me know and as well sign up with the MJC Disability Services Center if you have not already done so.
Disability Services will assist students with disabilities in participating in college activities, securing financial aid, scheduling
classes and examinations, and planning careers. MJC Disability Services are located on the East Campus in the Journalism
Building 160 behind Founders Hall. Phone: (209) 575-6225; TTY: (209) 575-6863
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: Do not come to class late. Do not leave early. (Unless prior understanding has been made)
ADD/DROP: It is your responsibility, as a student, to officially enroll in the class.

Introduction to Philosophy
Section 1312

Classroom Topic:
Introduction to Class
Review Syllabus
Knowledge and Reality: Plato and the
Concept of Knowledge
No Class

Reading Due That Day:

May 17
(Tuesday)
May 18
(Wednesday)

Knowledge and Reality: Descartes and the

Problems of Skepticism
Knowledge and Reality: Descartes and the
Problems of Skepticism

Rene Descartes: Meditation on First Philosophy

May 19
(Thursday)

No Class

May 24
(Tuesday)
May 25
(Wednesday)
May 26
(Thursday)

Knowledge and Reality

May 10
(Tuesday)
May 11
(Wednesday)
May 12
(Thursday)

Knowledge and Reality

**Midterm Exam**

Plato: Apology: The Defense of Socrates

Plato: Theaetetus

(Class Website) John Locke: The Casual Theory of Perception

(Class Website) George Berkeley: Of the Principles of Human
Knowledge

David Hume: Of Skepticism with Regard to the Senses

David Hume: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
Review for Midterm Exam
**Knowledge and Reality Paper Due**

May 31
(Tuesday)
June 1
(Wednesday)
June 2
(Thursday)

Minds, Bodies, and Persons: The Traditional

Problem of Mind and Body
Minds, Bodies, and Persons: Minds, Brains
and Machines
Minds, Bodies, and Persons: Minds, Brains
and Machines

Bertrand Russell: The Argument from Analogy for Other Minds

Gilbert Ryle: Descartes Myth
David M. Armstrong: The Nature of Mind
Daniel Dennett: Intentional States (Class Website)
Franck Jackson: Epiphenomenal Qualia (Class Website)
Frank Jackson: What Mary Didn't Know

June 7
(Tuesday)
June 8
(Wednesday)
June 10
(Thursday)

Minds, Bodies, and Persons: Minds, Brains

and Machines
Review for Final Exam

A.M. Turing: Computing Machinery and Intelligence

John R. Searle: Minds, Brains, and Programs

Introduction to Philosophy
Section 1312

**Minds, Bodies and Persons Paper Due**

**Final Exam**