Philosophy 300: Introduction to Philosophy

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course examines some of the perennial questions that have been addressed in the history of philosophy. Some of these include: Do we have free will? Is there a God? What is knowledge? What is the fundamental nature of reality? What makes actions right or wrong? This examination includes a critical analysis of fundamental concepts involved in the issues addressed by these questions, as well as an evaluation of reasoning used to defend various answers to them.

INSTRUCTOR’S NOTE: We will focus on these philosophical questions but with a particular issue in mind—the so-called ‘meaning’ of life. I will present every philosophical topic that we discuss as being in some sense related to what we may more frequently refer to as existential dread, or concerns regarding the meaning of life, and our place within the cosmos. My hope is that, in doing so, the philosophical issues addressed will remain relevant to your own lives, and may help you understand yourselves, and the nature of reality broadly put, in a new and better light.

Drop-in hours: Tuesdays, 12:30–14:30, PV 608(I); Wednesdays, 11:00-14:00, via Zoom; or by appointment.