DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Mark Anthony L. Dacela

Philosophy Department, WH 505 DLSU

madphilo@yahoo.com

Yahoo group: intfilodlsumad

http://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? Overview

The Problems of Philosophy (Chapter XV)
What is the Value of Philosophy? Plato's Myth of the Cave
Why study of Philosophy?

What can I know? (A brief course in Descartes' Meditation on First Philosophy

Metaphysics, Philosophy of Language, (Meditations 1 and 2)
Philosophy of Mind, and Epistemology) Waking Life
Matrix
Can I know the External World?
How can I acquire knowledge?
What does Truth mean?

What should I do? (A brief course in Ethics, Beyond Freedom and Dignity
Social and Political Philosophy) No Exit – Sartre
Existentialism is Humanism Minority Report
Am I free to act? Stranger than Fiction
Do rules govern my action?
How do I make the right decisions?

What may I hope? (A brief course in Nietzsche's The Gay Science

Yes Man
Philosophy of God, Life and Religion) Why I am NOT a Christian
Aquinas_ Proving God's Existence Bruce Almighty
Does God exist?
Can my life make sense?
What is the Value of Religion?

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

93-100 4.0
85-92 3.5
Assessment and Evaluation 77-84 3.0
69-76 2.5
Each requirement has an equivalent number of points. The
total number of points accumulated by the student will determine 60-68 2.0
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. 56-59 1.5
50-55 1.0
Grades are non-negotiable unless there are proofs of error
in computation. For this purpose, students are required to keep 0 – 49 0.0
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.