Recently Taught Courses-Basic Philosophical Questions-Duquesne

School of Leadership and Professional Advancement
Duquesne University CRC



Basic Philosophical Questions
UCOR 132-95
11/10/07-1/19/07
Saturdays 12:30 PM-4:00 PM
Dr. Peter Wolf
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Syllabus
Course Overview
This course is a first introduction to philosophy for adult learners. Each student will discover and encounter philosophy through reading of required texts, lectures, class discussion and the achievement of specific learning objectives.

Theory
We emphasize the objective, historical origin of philosophy in Ancient Greece and discover the crucial questions that motivated Socrates, Plato and Aristotle---questions that became the foundation of Western civilization.

We identify the origin of Western Philosophy in Ancient Greece, 5th century B.C., with Socrates as the central figure. Students will read about the thinkers who preceded Socrates (the Presocratics) and the major figures who follow Socrates (Plato and Aristotle).

While in no way comprehensive, we will review the central themes of several philosophers, whose works transform Socratic themes and introduce novel themes for philosophic reflection (Schopenhauer, Montaigne, Nietzsche and Freud).

Practice
In addition to presenting theoretical learning, our class includes an application of several of the main themes from classical philosophy to a consideration and discussion of the current state of civilization. In particular, Freud’s Civilization and its Discontents will be read and discussed in an effort to get a picture of what is going on in the world today.

Ideas gathered from ancient Greek philosophy such as the critique of sophistry and rhetoric will be applied to the contemporary corporate, media and cybernetic practices in order that the student might see the powerful role philosophy can play in contemporary life.

Required Texts
Cornford, Francis. Before and After Socrates, Cambridge University Press, 1993 (revised).

De Boton, Alain. The Consolations of Philosophy, Pantheon Books, 2000. ISBN:0-679-44276-6

Freud, Sigmund. Civilization and its Discontents W.W. Norton and Company. ISBN: 0-393-30158-3

Plato The Last Days of Socrates, Penguin Books, 2003. ISBN 0-14-044582-x [includes The Apology and The Phaedo.




SCHEDULE
Week One: November 10, 2007
The learning goal for each student in the first class is to consider philosophy’s first exemplary figure, Socrates [‘exemplary’ (adj.): model, worthy of imitation; “exemplary behavior”;l “model citizens”]. The reading assignment Chapter One in de Botton presents Socrates’ teaching as a consolation for being unpopular. Each student should prepare for this class by searching ‘Socrates’ on Google and preparing a 1-2 pp typed (double spaced) which includes the most important facts of his biography and several major points of his philosophy.

Week Two: November 17, 2007
Class session two focuses on the preconditions necessary for Socrates’ philosophical revolution by considering Cornford’s fine little book, Before and After Socrates (read-àp.53). Also read Plato’s dialogue, Apology which presents the historical figure of Socrates during his trial and legal defense which allegorically symbolizes each philosopher’s quest.

After break, we look again to de Botton’s book, to the chapter on Socrates. We will also consider another of Plato’s dialogues, The Phaedo, with Socrates as its interlocutor. This short book presents Socrates in prison after his trial awaiting death. He consoles his friends and students that death is nothing to be feared.

Week Three: December 1, 2007
Today we begin with a brief quiz on class material and readings from weeks 1 and 2 (20 points).
We begin with a consideration of de Boton’s book, chapter two, on Epicurus the exemplary figure of ethics and Hellenism (‘Hellenism’ is the period of Greek philosophy after Aristotle, and before the Church Fathers).

After break we discuss our first drafts of our paper (see draft Schedule below).

Week Four: December 8, 2007
Today we will respond to and critique the first drafts of our papers adding suggestions for the next draft.
In the first session of today’s class we will discuss Plato, Socrates’ greatest pupil and the teacher of Aristotle. The basis for this presentation is found in Cornford’s book, in the chapter on Plato.

After break the second class session will be dedicated to Aristotle and his philosophy, following the chapter in Cornford’s book.

Week Five: December 15, 2007
In this class session we will discuss Michel de Montaigne and his philosophy as presented in his most important work, The Essays (Les Essais), the discussion of Montaigne is based upon chapter 4 in de Boton’s book.
After the break we will begin to discuss Freud’s Civilization and its Discontents, pp. 11-45 (intro: pp.5-9). Please come to class with a 2-3 page typed outline of Freud’s book pp. 11-45


Week 6: January 5, 2008
We begin with a test on the material of weeks 3-5.

After the break we will dedicate time to reviewing and discussing the students’ second draft of the term paper. Second draft 6-8pp. (20 points). Review and discuss Freud’s book, pp.11-45.

Week 7: January 12, 2008
In the seventh class session, we discuss the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer as presented in de Boton’s chapter five.

Also finish reading Civilization and its Discontents. Create an outline of the text.

Week 8: January 19, 2008
In the final class session, we will discuss Nietzsche (de Boton, chapter 6), .

Final exam based upon class lecture material (weeks 1-7), quiz #1, and test #1.

Final draft of term paper due will be collected (10-12 pp, w/title page and bibliography) (60 points).

Course Requirements
Assigned reading materials.
Quiz: December 1
Test: January 5
Outlines of Freud’s book: Dec. 15, Jan.12
Papers
The final draft shall be 10-12 pp. double-spaced, with title page and bibliography.
The theme of the paper is the choice of the student based upon philosophical themes associated with the major philosophers discussed in this class. Please look ahead at all of the chapters in de Boton, as well as Freud’ book and any other class material in order to determine which theme might be of interest to you. You will deepen your knowledge of this theme through research which relates this theme to present day concerns. For example, consider de Boton’s treatment of Socrates in page one, who are philosophers today being persecuted in ordinary life for exposing truth?

First Draft: December 1
Second Draft: January 5
Final Draft: January 19


Evaluation Rubric
Quiz-20 points
Test-30 points
Final exam-40 points
Final draft of paper-60 points
First Draft-10 points
Second Draft-20 points
Participation/discussion-20 points
Total possible points=200

Attendance
There may be one missed class session, for medical reasons or otherwise.

Academic IntegrityEach student is expected to complete all of their work in an original way. Copying other peoples ideas or sentences without making a reference is considered plagiarism. This is a major academic violation and can lead to extremely severe consequences for the student. Always be sure to cite your sources in your written work. Cheating will also be dealt with in a severe manner. Please don’t risk this.