An Introduction to Philosophy

1
An Introduction to Philosophy

• Dr. Elizabeth Shadish
• Section 2554

2
Orientation Session

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

3
While the Roster is Called

• 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.
• Philosophy begins inwonder
  Aristotle

4
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.
5
Assignments and Grading

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

6
Course Policies

• 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
• A suggestion keep all your graded work!

7
Course Content

• The love of (philo) wisdom (sophia)

Conflicting beliefs can generate philosophical
inquiry.
If were free, why do we do what we dont want to
do?
If we all have our own values, why does every
society agree that wanton murder is wrong?
8
Philosophy through Debates

• Two sides given fair presentation
• Comparison, for selecting the best position
• Exposure to the give and take of issue-oriented
  debate

9
The Personal - Some Useful Philosophical Attitudes

• Open-mindedness
• Critical thinking
• A willingness to engage in and trust reasoned
  debate

10
Methods of Philosophy

• Issues of meaning
• Definitions, clarification, understanding

Issues of truth Support, evidence, application of
principles
Issues of logic Assumptions, implications
11
Your Resources

• You will have plenty of help but you must use
  it!
• Basic course material, of course!
• Each other, through class discussion and other
  collaboration
• Professor Accessibility
• eshadish_at_elcamino.edu
• SOCS 213B Office Hours, 8- 930 am TT

12
Online Resources

• Website
• http//www.elcamino.edu/faculty/eshadish/Phil2/Ind
  ex2.htm
• Course information
• Details of Assignments
• Some PowerPoints
• Select study aids

13
So, Lets Get Started!

• Read Chapter 1 in the Rachels text The Legacy
  of Socrates
• Read actively
• Jot down your thoughts and questions as you read
• Use a dictionary
• Question everything even your own views