Department of Philosophy, John Carroll University
20700 N. Park Blvd., University Heights, OH, 44118; pmooney@jcu.edu; (216) 397-4786; Administration Building, B-Wing, #B-16. Office Hours, Fall, 2008: Monday, Wednesday, 2:30-4:30pm.
PL101, Introduction to Philosophy
(Sp09: Mooney's section is 54H, honors)
This section of Introduction is not a 'survey' course in philosophy, nor is it a history of philosophy. While there are survey and historical elements to 54H, it will instead be organized around the goal of carefully introducing the student to philosophical activity: rational argumentation, imaginative problem solving, critical assessment of ideas, clear expression of ideas and determining what questions matter most for humans to answer, in the first place. Making sure to 'visit' a certain quota of historical periods and issues by semester's end will have next to no importance for us.
REST OF PAGE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Course Requirements
TBA.
A very strong class-attendance record is also required in order to receive credit for the course. Regular class preparation includes 25-40 difficult --> very difficult pages per week.
Tentative Readings
The following 0000:
Books
ISBN's and LCClass #'s for the books that will be used in class (and which will be available at the JCU Bookstore), appear below. Visit Episteme Links for access to a variety of Web editions (PHILOSOPHERS/<philosopher name>/ELECTRONIC TEXTS).
Books used in class:
Lovejoy, Arthur O. The Great Chain of Being, Harvard University Press, 1976. ISBN: 0674361539. LCClass: B 105 .C5 L6 1976.