Introduction to Philosophy (110-0-20)

Instructors

Sanford C Goldberg
847/491-8524
Kresge 3-431

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 217: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course serves as an introduction to some of the most fundamental philosophical problems as well as to some classical attempts at dealing with those problems. There will be four main modules:1) The nature of Philosophy, 2) Knowledge & Reality, 3) Free Will and Determinism, and 4) Moral Philosophy. In this course, we will focus on four central philosophical questions:

1) What is the nature of philosophy?
2) What do I know?
3) Do we have free will, or is the future already determined?
4) What makes actions right and wrong?

The answers to these fundamental questions matter for answering practical problems we face in our lives as individuals and as members of society: Is abortion permissible? Can we wrong somebody merely by what we say? What do we owe to people who live in poverty? What exactly are the dangers posed by AI? Is genetic engineering morally permissible? Should prison be abolished?

Class Materials (Required)

Must be purchased

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration restricted to Undergraduate students only

Associated Classes

DIS - Locy Hall 301: Mon 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Tues 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-343: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L06: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Parkes Hall 222: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 4-410: Tues 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Tues 10:00AM - 10:50AM