Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

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Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy
Professor Ann Cudd Spring 2001
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Course Objectives

• Introduce major topics, ideas, and thinkers of
  political philosophy
• Critically engage with social and political ideas
• Identify and construct political arguments orally
  and in writing
• Exemplify civility and public reason

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Course Design

• Course Description
• Grading and Exams
• Reading assignments and lecture schedule
• Discussion groups

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Getting the Textbook

• Custom anthology for this course --carefully
  selected readings
• Anthologypro.com
• Instructions on First Day Pack
• ORDER TODAY!

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Course Website

• Startup Netscape (or Internet Explorer)
• At Location (Address) type
  www.ukans.edu/acudd/phil180.html
• Press Enter key
• Click on menu items in Index to browse the site
• Send email with comments about site

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Discussion Sections

• Essential part of the course!
• Worth 35 of course grade
• informal writing
• 2 in-class essays
• 1 small group project/debate
• Opportunity to develop oral philosophical skills
  and investigate ideas in greater depth

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Questions to ask when reading philosophical text

• 1. What is the author claiming or arguing for?
• 2. What support does the author marshall for that
  claim?
• 3. Does the conclusion follow from the support
  offered?
• 4. Is the alleged supporting evidence true?
• 5. What kind of an argument is offered?

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Philosophical Arguments

• Premises are the reasons given in support of the
  conclusion
• Valid arguments premises provide adequate
  reasons, if true, to support conclusion
• Sound arguments valid true premises