To many people, philosophy is an activity almost exclusively undertaken by university professors with long white beards or other unique idiosyncrasies who work in ivory towers and deal with topics that are very important but are really of no practical use to anyone. 

Wrong. First, philosophy appeals to those of us who want to know the answers.  Plato says that philosophy begins with wonder.  There are many mysteries to wonder about and philosophy provides the method to help..

Second, philosophy is a body of information but the most important aspect of philosophy is as a subversive activity that has everything to do with much of what we believe, how we think, and how we  act.  All of the questions and decisions we face in our lives, except those that are quantifiable, are decided by our philosophy.  We all have a philosophy, whether we have thought out our ideas in fine detail or just react, unthinking, to the last thing someone told us.  Everyone has an opinion, but not all opinions carry equal weight.  Some opinions are based on fluff and some are based on better thinking.  In doing philosophy, we are committed to looking for the truth through rational thinking, logic and evidence. 

To "do Philosophy," however, is to make a pact with yourself to find the truth by following rules of logic, reasoning and evidence.  It is a conscious decision to be a thinking human being, to not entertain an opinion or point of view unless it passes your intellectual tests, and to always leave your mind open to new information and ideas. When you do this your point of view evolves from "opinion" to true philosophy. 

Once you adopt the philosophical way of thinking you will never be able to blindly accept what someone just told you or the latest lie from the internet chat rooms.  Your most cherished notions and opinions must be laid open for scrutiny and you must be willing to change your views if they don't pass.  You will have to think carefully about yourself and your actions and will live in tune with the most quoted maxim of Socrates "the unexamined life is not worth living." The accepted "wisdom," what everyone "knows," and what's taken for granted will no longer work for you  Philosophy is subversive. 

There are many questions that fall within Philosophy's realm.  What is the purpose of human existence, of my existence?  How should I live my life?  Does God exist?  Is there life after death?  What can I know for sure? How can I tell what is right or wrong?  People motivated by a sense of wonder and curiosity, in every culture and civilization, have asked such questions.  In this class, besides examining current issues, we will look at the historical record to see what thinkers of the past have said, to evaluate their views, and to determine how applicable their ideas are to us, today. 

The primary text for the class is T.Z. Lavine's From Socrates to Sartre ISBN 0-553-25161-9 $7.99.  The secondary text is Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder ISBN 0-425-15225-1 $11.00.

GRADING POLICY
Grades are determined by the total number of points earned each quarter by the time grades are due.  Final grade is determined by the total number of points earned in the class.  Grades are rounded up for students who have good attendance, participation, and are good class citizens.    Late work will always receive a point deduction increasing in loss of points to one half value before the test on that material.  After the test any incomplete homework with the possible exception of make-up work will recive a 0. Standard FCPS grading standards are used.

INTEGRITY ISSUES
You may never use any outside information for any class project or assignment without appropriate attribution.  You may discuss any questions with anyone you wish but the final answer or writing and response should express your own thinking.  Since ethics is a good philosophy topic bring up any questions you have about this in class.

Electronics- Lap tops, cell phones, or other electronic devices may not be used in class unless specifically approved.

Dress Code, Tardies, Absences, etc.  FCPSrules prevail.

ASSIGNMENTS

1.  Writing- Philosophical communication through writing gives us the opportunity to reflect on our ideas and viewsand receive feedback.  Students will write a philosophical paper on a topic to be selected and will continue to revise it for good thesis and arguments, logic, and reasoning throughout the first quarter.  This work will be shared with others in the class.  Students will critique each other's papers and are encouraged to continuously edit and add to them as the class progresses. During 2nd quarter students will prepare a short philosophy paper for entry to a national philosophy competition.   About 40 points for 1st quarter, 20 points for 2nd quarter. 

2.  Homework- There will be a variety of reading assignments, with guided questions, assigned during this course.   Homework is given to help you begin to grapple with and prepare for discussion in class of the major ideas of each philosopher. You are not expected to "get" or understand every question.  However, credit is given for work attempted and corrections or additions can be made in class.  Only "blank" answers will lose credit.  Work not completed by the due date can be turned in late for one-half credit. After the test homework not turned in will receive no credit.  However each student will receive one homework pass (can be turned in one class period late with no credit deduction).  Question sets for philosophers are worth from about 15-30 points each.  160 points total. 

3.  Class work- On any typical day we will spend most class time in large or small group discussion about current philosophical questions or the beliefs of a philosopher.  This is the time to express opinions or ask questions about the philosopher's point of view.   Do you understand it?  Does it make sense in today's world? How do you justify your position?  Your active participation will make the class more interesting for all of us.  Please take notes on any good ideas or thoughts you hear in class or in reading or that come to you while listening or speaking. Have something to write on and something to write with at every class.  Bring all of your recent materials to every class.

4. Participation- We all learn in different ways.  Some do best by speaking and some by listening. However, a philosophy class is most fun for students (and the teacher) when discussion is active and many people are involved. At the end of the semester there is a grade given  for overall participation.  Those who speak only occasionally or only when called on will not hurt their grade but frequent contributors will get full credit.

5. Tests- There will be four comprehensive essay/ identification tests during the class, two each quarter. There will be no final exam. 50 points each=200 points. 

6. End of Class Group project- 30-50 points depending.

This course adheres to FCPS dress code, attendance policy, network guidelines, Turnitin.com., the TJ Honor Code and being nice to each other in class.

Writing- 60 points  Homework- 160  Tests- 200  Participation- 50 Project- 30-50

Total            500-520 points 

Class Outline