The Classics of Philosophy

Course Description

This is a seminar course on the central questions of philosophy, including epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics. We will think critically about the basic questions humans have been asking throughout history. We will explore the big questions: How do we know? What is real? And, what ought I to do? We will use primary and secondary sources to explore answers given historically. We will not only read and discuss philosophy but will actively engage in doing philosophy. To do philosophy is to think not only critically but also self-critically. Socrates said for a human being, "The unexamined life is not worth living." All students are expected to participate in the conversation as we engage in the age-old quest for knowledge of the true, the good, and the beautiful and how to live accordingly.

Objectives

1. Identify and compare the various types of logical arguments.
2. Describe and compare major philosophical views of reality.
3. Describe and compare the rationalist and empiricist theories of knowledge.
4. Describe and critically analyze the major arguments for the existence of God.
5. Describe the problem of evil, religious explanations for the existence of evil, and critical responses.
6. Describe three major ethical theories.

Texts

• I will provide PDF outlines for each unit of study. Links to supplementary videos are provided.
• The primary text we will use is: Classics of Western Philosophy, Eighth Edition,
• by Steven M. Cahn
• The secondary text we will use is: History of Philosophy: A Critical Analysis of Unresolved Disputes by Surrendra Gangadean