Hi. Welcome back to most of you, and perhaps "welcome" to some since you all didn't go through a chunk of ninth grade with me. We're going to do some introductory stuff today. Part of that will be me telling you what's coming, but several things will also be hands-on.
As an aside, there are a couple new things about this year's course. First, I've always taught it 5th hour on alternate days in second semester. I've never had it every day in a single quarter. Also, there have almost always been a few juniors in the class, so it's made those last weeks after Memorial Day kind of awkward. So, first hour every day is a brand new experience for me...
What do you need for this course?
- Sophie's World - your "textbook"
- three-ring binder/ folder - for a significant number of readings
- highlighter/ pen - for getting "into" your readings
- loose-leaf paper or notebook (for any class notes you wish/ need to take)
- your laptop - Know when to use it, AND know when to put it away.
- an inquisitive mind - Please bring yours with you each day...
- a voice - a willingness to voice your ideas
- one or more ears - a willingness to hear the ideas of others
- openness - a willingness to consider ideas other than your own
- tolerance - for viewpoints other than your own
- effort - challenge both yourself and others
Basic assumptions of "Philosophy and Ethics"
- I recognize that I am probably not the smartest person in the room. However, I am probably the best prepared person in the room. You should all strive to be the smartest, most insightful, most creative etc. I will strive to remain the best prepared.
- Ideas can be shared freely only in a supportive environment. We will discuss some extremely controversial and personal issues. All participants need to respect the opinions of others and their right to not answer a particular question or challenge.
- There will be "rules" (formal and/ or informal) for our discussions, debates, and activities. They may vary depending on the format. You will be expected to abide by those rules.
- The computers are a mixed blessing. They enable us to access a wealth of information, and they will enhance many of our lessons. At the same time, they can be a terrible distraction. I will not tolerate misuse of the computers during times when you should be discussing issues and/or listening to others. I can think of few things more disrespectful to a peer.
- A concerted effort will be expected from participants in this class. It is not a "goof-off" class, and it is not a class where we "just sit around and think". You will be expected to complete readings and assignments in a timely fashion. It is not an exceptional amount of work, and you will have options in terms of what you want to do to earn the grade you desire.
- "Western Philosophy" has historically excluded and/ or under represented the contributions of women and minorities. The fact that our "examples" are almost exclusively "dead, white guys" is largely a reflection of the values and realities of centuries gone by. Modern scholarship in philosophy and ethics is beginning to reflect long overdue changes...
What is philosophy?
I've got all kinds of definitions for you at some point, but I want to hear what YOU think today.
We will distribute the handout, "A Visual Introduction to Philosophy," and list some of the main topics we will examine throughout the course.
Finally, we'll introduce the book that we will read this semester, Sophie's World. Basically, you will be asked to read at about the rate of a chapter a class meeting. We'll introduce the schedule at our next session.
