An introductory study of selected issues from major areas of philosophy. This course examines issues, not only as they are debated in philosophical texts, but also as they are expressed or suggested by literary works and films. Students are expected to gain familiarity with standard methods for rationally evaluating arguments for philosophical responses to these issues as well as with creative means for envisioning what the world or society would be like if a particular response were correct. Students are also encouraged to develop and defend their own views. The course covers the major thinkers of the period from 1600 to 1800, i.e., roughly Descartes to Kant.
Classes are a mixture of lecture and discussion, with emphasis on the discussions.
Grades are based on the discussions, a take-home mid term exam, a critical book review, and a final paper. This course is designed for those students who have already had a basic introduction to symbolic logic, and wish to further their study of the topic. While the majority of course content will focus on symbolic logic per se, a unit on analogical and legal reasoning will also be included. As such, the course will make an excellent selection not only for philosophy majors, but also anyone with pre-law intent. Possible topics to be addressed within the symbolic realm will include an intermediate study of predicate calculus, semantics for both propositional and predicate logic, as well as mathematical induction.