Fall 2007
Course Title: History of Philosophy
Course Number: PHI 313
Credit Hours: 3
Pre-requisites: Intro to Philosophy
Class Time: MWF 11-12
Classroom Location: AG 118
Instructor: Courtney Furman
Office Location: Jones, next to 305
Office Hours: MWF (12:30-2); Tu/Th (12:30-2:30)
Telephone: 4272
Text: Russell, Bertrand. A History of Western Philosophy (New York: Simon and Schuster); 1945, revised 1972.
Course Description:
This is a survey course in the history of (primarily) Western philosophy, beginning with the pre-Socratics and examining the significant issues and influential thinkers who wrestled with them over twenty-five centuries.
Course Objectives:
(1) To familiarize you with the basic ideas and writings of the classical philosophers, so that you will see the historical development of various ideas and problems, and realize the many-sided dimensions of philosophical thought.
(2) To encourage you to evaluate suggested answers to philosophical questions, and to formulate your own answers to the problems/issues posed.
Course Requirements:
(1) Careful reading and study of the text: Russell, Bertrand. A History of Western Philosophy (New York: Simon and Schuster), 1945; rev. 1972.
(2) Participation in classroom discussions as issues are raised, questions occur to you, etc. (This will necessitate your reading the assignments BEFORE they are discussed in class, whenever possible!);
(3) The keeping of a JOURNAL of your questions, ideas, interaction with the text’s author; this should have a simple form with the date of each entry, and page (s) in the text which “sparked” the entry; it is to be typed! It is to be written with care, giving due attention to punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc. Ideas must be expressed with clarity if we are to communicate effectively. Sine this is THE written assignment, it should show evidence of regular, careful reading and thoughtful interaction with the author and his ideas. SLOPPY, CARELESS, SUPERFICIAL WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTABLE!
(4) Four examinations based on class lectures, discussion, and text materials.
Grading:
(1) Journal, based on the text (250 points); DUE December 3rd
(2) Examinations (700 points)
(3) Classroom participation where applicable (50 points)
Note: I expect you to be prepared for the classroom discussions each day; more than two absences will affect your grade adversely, since I will deduct 5 points for each additional absence. Why? Because if you are not in class, you cannot participate, and I value your questions and comments.
Recommended Readings:
These texts are available in our library; you may want to dip into some of them to clarify ideas or issues.
Clark, G.H. Thales to Dewey (New Jersey, Pres. & Reformed Publ. Co.), reissued 1992.
Fuller, B.A.G. A History of Greek Philosophy (New York: Holt), 1955, vols. (3rd ed.).
Jones, W.T. A History of Western Philosophy (New York: Harcourt, Brace), recent volume (Rev. 1969, 1975).
Stumpf, S.E. Socrates to Sartre: A History of Philosophy (New York: McGraw Hill), 1966; 5th edit. 1993.
Tsanoff, Radoslave A. The Great Philosophers (New York: Harper and Row), 1964 (2nd ed.).
Notes:
(1) The current College of the Ozarks’ policies on plagiarism and cheating will be strictly enforced: any cheating (giving or receiving of information on examinations), or plagiarism (the use of another’s written work, in whole or part) will result in an AUTOMATIC FAILURE.
(2) While I make every effort to adhere strictly to the course schedule, changes may be make if extenuating circumstances warrant them.
Course Schedule:
August 27, 29 Introductory Matters: Why Study Philosophy, and its history?(Russell: Preface, Introduction)
Ancient Philosophy
31, Sept. 3, 5 Pre-Socratics (Russell, pp.3-81)
7, 10, 12 Socrates, Plato (Russell, 82-158)
14, 17 Aristotle (Russell, pp. 159-217)
19, 21, 24 Hellenistic Age (Russell, pp. 218-297)
26, 28 EXAMINATION ONE (210 points)
Catholic Philosophy (Middle Ages)
October 1, 3, 5 The Fathers (Russell, pp. 301-387)
8, 10, 12 The Schoolmen (Russell, pp. 388-487)
15, 17 EXAMINATION TWO (140 points)
Modern Philosophy
19, 22, 24 Renaissance/Science (Russell, pp.491-540)
26, 29, 31 Bacon, Hobbes, Des Cartes, Leibnitz (Russell, pp. 541-595)
November 2, 5 Liberalism/Hume (Russell, pp. 596-674)
7, 9 EXAMINATION THREE (175 points)
12, 14, 16 Romantic Movement/Kant (Russell, pp. 675-718)
19-23 Thanksgiving Break: No Class
26, 28, 30 19th Century /Byron (Russell, pp. 719-752)
December 3, 5, 7 Schopenhauer/Bergson (Russell, pp. 753-810) Journals Due (Dec. 3)!
10, 12 James/Logical Analysis (Russell, pp. 811-838)
14 (Final 10:30-12:30 Friday): EXAMINATION FOUR (175 points)
Note: 2 days for exams 1, 2, and 3