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In this course you are invited to participate in an activity that is
about 2500 years old and you are expected to develop your own ideas
about the philosophical problems, theories and arguments. You will be
challenged to think critically on your own, but always taking into
consideration what the others had and have to say about those matters.
Philosophy enhances the improvement of the analysis of personal
convictions, the understanding of the diversity of arguments of others and
the awareness of the limited character of our knowledge. In this sense,
philosophy is a basic and important part of education and an instrument for
making democratic life deeper.
As a participant in this philosophy course you will be challenged to
think critically and learn to think with the ideas and points of view of past
and contemporary philosophers. You can expect to write, read and debate
extensively, always by means of an argumentative discourse and weekly
assignments.
Learning Objectives:
Participants in this course will be able to:
- To be progressively aware of the specific characteristics of philosophy.
- To recognize the specific contributions of philosophy to the development of a critical, methodical and responsible way of thinking.
- To use philosophical concepts and develop a conceptual and critical kind of reasoning.
- To cultivate one's ability for independent and critical thinking.
- To learn to read philosophical texts and understand their basic arguments.
- To critically examine ideas.
- To express and formulate ideas in a clear and argumentative way.
- To demonstrate respect for others ideas.
- To appreciate how philosophy contributes to the political and cultural institutions of our contemporary world.
- To recognize key theories and methodologies of Western philosophy.
- To apply philosophical ideas and arguments to values into one's own life.
- To use technology as a learning tool.
Academic Content:
This is an introductory philosophy course that gives an overview of some of the most debated philosophical issues and thinkers. Philosophy is, in the Western tradition, the love of wisdom. And this course is about the pursuit of wisdom about what it means to be a human being and to live in this world.
Kinds of Assignments:
The participants in this philosophy course will be challenged to think critically and learn to think with the ideas and points of view of Western philosophers. Classes will mainly include philosophical texts, but also (and not less important) a wide range of different materials such as literary texts, the Web, music and newspaper articles. Students can expect to web surf, write, read and debate extensively, always by means of an argumentative discourse. In addition to several weekly assignments, a major project is required as a culminating activity. Everyone is expected to abide by rigorous and high ethical standards. Be prepared, be curious, be interested, be participative, be tolerant, be respectful... be philosophical!
Projects Required:
There are individual and group projects throughout this semester and the different "units of thought". There is also a culminating final project in which you will be asked to apply your philosophical skills and insights.
This course is considered an HONORS level offering.
