PHIL 205 Philosophy 205 Special Topics
Course Information
| Course Number | PHIL 205 |
|---|---|
| Course Title | Philosophy 205 Special Topics |
| Description | All PHIL 205 courses will help students learn about other areas of philosophy which are important to the study of other disciplines and philosophy itself. Students will explore broader areas of philosophical concern such as metaphysics (free-will, truth, realism, universals, necessity/contingency, causation, mind, time, God, etc.); epistemology (skepticism, inferential justification, knowledge, internalism/externalism, a priori/a posteriori, closure, direct/indirect realism, memorial knowledge, etc.); meta-ethics (moral knowledge, moral realism/anti realism, ethical intuitionism, reductionisms such as utilitarianism, relativism, subjectivism, divine command theory, contractarianism, Aristotelianism/teleology, virtue ethics, etc.). Furthermore, students can also focus on political philosophy, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of science or specialize in some facet of the above topics. All PHIL 205 courses will emphasize the use of primary texts and the development of philosophical thought throughout history. These courses will focus on the most basic questions of human existence (this indeed is philosophy) such as truth, knowledge, free-will, moral rightness, justice, and so forth. We assume answers to these questions in every other study we partake in. For instance, science presupposes the legitimacy of inductive reasoning, the law of non-contradiction, the justification of using inference to the best explanation, the uniformity of nature, the reliability of perception, the nature and possibility of a posteriori knowledge and others. These courses will deal with the questions we presuppose answers to in discussing those things that matter to us. In the end, PHIL 205 courses will give philosophy instructors and students the opportunity to explore areas of philosophy which are of interest not only to the psychologist, historian, and novelist, but also to those who wish to pursue a career in philosophy or become competent in philosophical problems. As Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." These courses will help encourage others to avoid the unexamined life. |
| Total Credits | 3 |
| Total Hours | 48 |
| Instruction Type | Credits and Hours |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 1-3 Credits, 16-48 Hours |
Pre/Corequisites
Prerequisite: Must have a score of 78 or higher on the Reading portino of the Accuplacer test or completion of READ 0090.
Course Competencies
- Examine various kinds of philosophy
- Develop the ability to exegete philosophical texts
- Develop the analytical skills peculiar to philosophy
- Practice the role of a philosopher
- Master the best arguments for the most plausible theories in a philosophical area
- Address the characteristics of a good argument
- Write about philosophy
- Develop the ability to relate different fields of philosophy
- Skillfully discuss various philosophical issues
- Identify the relation between philosophy and the practical things of life
SCC Accessibility Statement
South Central College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you have a disability and need accommodations for access to this class, contact the Academic Support Center to request and discuss accommodations.
North Mankato: Room B-132, (507) 389-7222; Faribault: Room A-116, (507) 332-7222.
Additional information and forms can be found at: southcentral.edu/disability
This material can be made available in alternative formats by contacting the Academic Support Center at 507-389-7222.