PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy Monday 6:50-10pm Course Number 20896 Room 1429
Dr. Bryce Gayhart What is this course about? We will study the broad topics that relate to the general field known as “Philosophy.” Following along our selected text, we will cover: “How Do We Know Anything?” (Skepticism) “What is the Good?; Political Philosophy: “What is the Best Society?’ (Morality\Religion)” “Are We Ever Really Free? (God and Free Will)” “Who Are We?” “Do We Survive Death?” “Is There a God? (Paranormal\Metaphysics)” “What is the Meaning of Life? (Religion)” We will lecture; have in-class discussions; view visual materials (DVD, YouTube.com, and Projector); and provide an informal atmosphere of openness through “round-table” discussions.
Student Learning Outcome PHIL 100 I. Outcome: Upon successful completion of PHIL 100 F, Introduction to Philosophy, students will identify and explain major philosophical terms and concepts. II. Outcome: Upon successful completion of PHIL 100 F, Introduction to Philosophy, students will compare and contrast at least two metaphysical and/or epistemological theories. III. Outcome: Upon successful completion of PHIL 100 F, Introduction to Philosophy, students will compare and contrast at least two ethical and/or political theories.
Your instructor offers other courses -- Phil 160 Ethics; Phil 101 Intro to Religious Studies; Phil 105 World Religions, and Phil 170 Logic and Critical Thinking and he has a working profession in Religion; and academic degrees in Science; and in Philosophy, and in Theology and Religion.
Required Text:
1. Philosophy for Dummies by Tom Morris 1999 by Wiley Publishing ISBN: 978-0-7645-5153-6 Paperback [$3-$10 See Amazon.com link below] http://www.amazon.com/Philosophy-Dummies-Tom Morris/dp/0764551531/ref=sr_1_1? s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1306339560&sr=1-1
2. Materials from my Website. http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu\bgayhart
1 COURSE REQUIREMENTS
EXAMS There will be five exams in our course. I will drop your lowest score. No Make UP Exams. I will Preview one week before the exam. You will be graded not only on your command of the material (content) but also on the quality (grammar, and writing ability). Exams represent 50% of your course grade.
Homework=JOURNAL Half of your course grade will be to write a continuing journal that will be handed in by the last lecture—May 16 ** No late journals accepted (turn it in early to be sure). Incomplete Journal = D for course No Journal = No Credit for Course
To receive credit for the course, you MUST use a lined Composition notebook. They are under $1 and available in the bookstore, Walgreen’s, CVS, etc. It will function as your assigned “homework” during the semester. In your journal, you will keep a diary-style record of your interaction with the material presented. Write only on ONE SIDE of the journal. All 6 assignments must be numbered and in order. All 5 must be handwritten (not typed or stapled to the pages unless you check with me first).
A journal: have at least 5 pages (page = one side) per reading assignment B journal: have at least 4 pages (page = one side) per assignment C journal: have at least 3 pages (page = one side) per assignment
You must have between 5-8 words per line of your journal. Anything less than 5 words per line is NOT acceptable. But remember: it is not the LENGTH that is crucial—it is the QUALITY. The journal Assignments are listed in the lecture outline below. The deadline for the journal is: May 16
“But Dr. Gayhart, I wrote 4 pages on all of my journal entries… why did I not receive a B??? … You said “4 pages!! And I did the best I could.” Answer: I am pleased that you performed to the best of your ability and I appreciate that you met the length requirement of 4 pages…. BUT your grade is a reflection of the quality of your work – your grade is my evaluation of your writing ability for this class. 4 pages per assignment QUALIFIES for a B – but does not GUARANTEE it. B = LENGTH + QUALITY.
“OK, fair enough -- so Dr. Gayhart, what is a “B” level journal grade??? And how do I earn it??”
For a C Journal: you must have met the basic length requirement of 3 pages per entry for all 5 entries. You have followed instructions --you have turned in a composition notebook and I received it by the deadline of May 16. Your notebook is in ORDER and contains all 5 entries (no entries out of order or sloppy). You made an honest “Average” attempt to interact with the reading assignment – you did not produce a messy, hard to read, “last-minute” hurried, entry. ALL of your assignments are there. Your journal is on par with other “average” students.
For a B Journal: I expect the requirements for a C to be met. PLUS – I now expect a longer length per entry. At least 4 pages per entry. PLUS – I expect a deeper “Above Average” level of interaction with the assignments. A more accurate word-choice (college level vocabulary); fewer writing mistakes (grammar/spelling/word usage); I expect higher quality of interaction.
For an A Journal: 5 pages minimum per assignment required. Both of the above PLUS a superior command and effort all around. Each entry must show a sustained and consistent “superior” attempt to grapple with the reading material. I am now looking for ‘”depth” and “reflection” in your responses—how well you make connections and a deeper insight. Any hurried, sloppy, or short entries will not be rewarded with an A journal. You must show consistency and higher quality throughout. 2 “Dr. Gayhart: What and How do I write a journal?” Answer: Purchase an inexpensive Composition journal. Write in either in pen or in pencil. No typing unless you approve it with me. You must not merely “copy” material into the journal taken from reading, web, or elsewhere. If the material does not come from YOUR INTERACTION, it will be marked as “incomplete” or “missing assignment.”
If still confused…. See me and I will show you former journals by students. Or check with me during the semester after you have done some entries and I will read them and let you know how you are doing.
Responses by former students:
“I left my journal at work before I came to class--can I get it to you later?” “My cousin is going to the hospital and I need to give him a ride so I have to miss class and cannot turn in journal” “I caught the flu last week and need more time” “My hand is sore from baseball so I couldn’t do it” “My dog chewed up the book and I am trying to find another and start over” “I am in the hospital with a 104 degree fever and I need more time” “My hard drive crashed and I cannot extract my journal files”
----although I sympathize with you, and truly feel compassion for your situation -- my question will always be: “Why did you not turn it in EARLIER than the deadline? Why did you risk by waiting until the deadline??? If I make an exception for you, how is that fair to other students???
YOUR HOMEWORK = YOUR JOURNAL ASSIGNMENTS = 50% of Course Grade
Your notebook must be received by me NO LATER THAN May 16. No EXCEPTIONS
Journal Writing No. 1 Appearance and Reality. We live in Southern California – a center of POP culture and fads. Glamorous celebrities and disposable relationships. Why are we obsessed with external appearances? If your young niece or nephew wanted Cosmetic Surgery, what would be your advice to him/her?? Journal Writing No. 2 Are you optimistic about the future? Can government produce a “better, more kinder” society? What is your vision of UTOPIA? What do you think about the issue of “homelessness? Do you give money or food to “street persons”? Journal Writing No. 3 We watched examples of persons with Extreme behaviors and beliefs. How do you deal with persons who hold extreme views? Do you ignore them? Argue with them? What is your advice on how to make your way in this world with such persons? Journal Writing No. 4 Many people, young and old are negative and critical. Are you a Skeptic? What would it take to convince you of UFOs, Conspiracies, and other controversial topics? How easy is it to TRUST others in our world?? Journal writing No. 5 What is your impression of “reality” shows that track the Paranormal such as Ghost Hunters? In many of my classes, numerous students have related chilling tales of personal encounters. What do you think of the Paranormal??
GRADE YOUR GRADE = 4 Exams 50% + 5 Journal Assignments = 50%
3 INCOMPLETE or NO JOURNAL = No Credit for Course
Spotty attendance can result in a D for course. You must attend at least 70% of the classes in our semester. After your 3rd absence, you may be dropped without notice or warning. Attendance is taken by signing your name on a sheet that is passed around toward the end of the evening.
Contacting Me: [email protected] My class site: http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart
COURSE OUTLINE
FEB 1 Introduction to Philosophy Introducing the course and signing-in students. Course topics introduced. Author Tom Morris discussed. Questions answered. Make sure that you have Blue Books and Scantron 882- ES. Don’t forget to sign the attendance sheet that is passed out each week. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FEB 8 Metaphysics: What about God? Chapter 19; pp. 233-242. How do philosophers deal with Religion and the notion of God? How does someone KNOW if there is a god? Is god Personal or is god Impersonal? What is Real and what is merely Appearance? What about celebrities and Cosmetic Surgery that drastically alters their appearance? Déjà vu and Synchronicity Phenomena.
Media Example: “Buddhism and The Matrix—What is Reality?” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/School%20Fall%202014-2015/Matrix%20and%20Buddhism%20Edited%20Paper.doc Media Example: “Hollywood is So Fake” (Cosmetic Surgery Disasters) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h3CUpfgZm0&index=1&list=PLy2K6UMvbP7qI8A2_h46A_DI4LwMXkmKJ Media Example: “The Truman Show” (DVD excerpt) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FEB 15 NO CLASS PRESIDENTS’ DAY
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FEB 22 Political Philosophy: What is the best Society?? We will look at Capitalism; Socialism; and Communism. Is it possible to create a Utopia? Can politics deliver us from ourselves? What is your version of a “perfect” society?
Media Example: “Political Options: Capitalism; Socialism; Communism” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/School%20Fall%202013/Capitalism%20Socialism%20Communism.doc
Media Example: Television Reality Series—UTOPIA. Watch as group try to construct a perfect society on a farm. Who does the cooking and cleaning?? What about nude sunbathing and mate swapping? Who decides? 4 Media Example: “America’s Dirty Laundry: Homelessness and Poverty in America” How do you treat “street persons? Do you feel any compulsion to aid them?https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=M3NBumzVQeo&index=3&list=PLy2K6UMvbP7qI8A2_h46A_DI4LwMXkmKJ
Media Example: YouTube.com “Fabulous Life Of Filthy Rich - Billionaires HD Official” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwxP_OZWWRg&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index=9 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FEB 29 Exam NO. 1 Bring a Scantron #882 and a blank Blue Book
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MARCH 7 “Ethical Rules and Moral Character” Chapter 9: pages 111-122 Moral Philosophy: Standards of Conduct. Judgment. Punishment. Forgiveness. Medieval Philosophy: Dante’s INFERNO and Seven Deadly Sins. We will watch some short Youtube.com animations of the video game “Dante’s Inferno.” Application: Are we addicted to Wealth Accumulation?? Is there a Heaven or Paradise or a Hell?
Media Example: “Levels of Heaven in LDS and the Muslim Paradise” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/SCHOOL%20SPRING%202015/Levels%20of%20Heaven%20LDS%20and %20Islam.doc Media Example: “What Dreams May Come” (DVD film starring Robin Williams --segments on Heaven)
Medieval Ethical Philosophy: The Seven Cardinal Sins and Dante’s Inferno Media Example: HTTP://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/SEVEN_DEADLY_SINS Media Example: HTTP://EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG/WIKI/INFERNO_%28DANTE%29
Dante’s Inferno: the First Circle LIMBO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIlIiKijork Dante’s Inferno: the Second Circle: LUST https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTdOfrDOHhc Dante’s Inferno: the Fourth Circle: GREED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-H06xMhR_g Dante’s Inferno: the Fifth Circle: ANGER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6umgOeGt3KI +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MARCH 14 “Ethical Rules and Moral Character” Why and How do People differ? Philosophy and Psychology. What do Philosophers say about Personality Disorders such as Schizophrenia? How do we explain violent, judgmental persons?
Media Example: “The Kids of Haight-Asbury” Alternate Lifestyle Persons Alienation
5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIHa8QyU2Ok&index=1&list=PLy2K6UMvbP7qI8A2_h46A_DI4LwMXkmKJ
Media Example: “Personality Disorders” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/SCHOOL%20SPRING%202015/PERSONALITY%20DISORDERS.doc
Media Example: “Krazy Kardashian Klan” Is this an example of a Dysfunctional Family?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlzmUVCeDAQ&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index=9
Media Example: “Super Size Me” Watch as a normal guy decides for one month to eat nothing but McDonalds for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Obsessive Compulsive?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-eRXuuH9AI Media Example: “Pastor Fred Phelps Minister of hate Westboro Baptist Church” Watch one of the most hateful, outspoken group in America--who detest American soldiers; the entire country of Australia, homosexuals, and just about anyone else who does not belong to their group. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuR22urjfP4&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MARCH 21 SPRING RECESS
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MARCH 28 Exam No. 2 Bring a Scantron 882 and a blank Blue Book …………………………………………
APRIL 4 Challenge of Skepticism and Unbelief: Conspiracy Theories Chapter 5: 53-66 PART I Can we trust our Eyes and Ears?? We will look at the topic of Belief and various forms of Skepticism. Conspiracy Theory. “A conspiracy theory is an explanatory proposition that accuses two or more people, a group or an organization of having caused or covered up, through deliberate collusion, an event or phenomenon of great social, political, or economic impact.” I have edited material on Conspiracy Theories that will be discussed in class and that will be fair game for the upcoming exam. Evaluating Eyewitness Testimony.
Conspiracy Theories Packet Dr. Gayhart edited Wikipedia articles http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/School%20Spring%202014/Conspiracy%20Theories.doc
Is the Disney Corporation in league with the Devil???? We examine conspiracy theorists who claim that Disney is guilty of inserting “Sexual Subliminal Messages” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttkvaJ_GRGk&list=PLy2K6UMvbP7opbk1fZCU2vmVrR98AbjMF&index=5
Subliminal Sex Messages and Pornography in Advertising Disney Movies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB4E7-Tiepg&list=PLy2K6UMvbP7opbk1fZCU2vmVrR98AbjMF&index=6
Media Example: “UFOs: Above and Beyond” Watch former Star Trek Cast member James “Scotty” Doohen as he does his best to convince us that “overwhelming video evidence” is at hand to settle
6 the issue. Also Bob Lazaar and Area 51—a credible Witness?? (Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Lazar)
Media Example: “Conspiracy Theory Jesse Ventura The 9 11 attacks” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dhHHPO7W_8&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index=2 Former wrestler and governor of Minnesota claims that the federal government is “covering up” vital information about 9/11
Media Example: “Loose Change.” Watch as college students who produced this string of films endeavor to convince us that 9/11 was an ‘inside job’ –a Conspiracy—by the Bush Administration. Who can we trust? Who is reliable? “2013 NEW Loose Change 3rd Edition! MUST SEE! 9/11 Truth” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsRm8M-qOjQ&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index=4
++++++++++++++++++++++++++ APRIL 11 Challenge of Skepticism and Unbelief: Conspiracy Theories Chapter 5: 53-66 PART II +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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APRIL 18 EXAM No. 3
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ APR 25 Philosophy of Science I will discuss the “Scientific Method.” For our application: we will examine the topics of Evolution and Creationism. I will present both sides of the debate fairly. Natural Selection; Mutation; Gene Replication; and Adaptation—all illustrate the method of Empirical Science. Dating the age of the Earth – radioactive half-life and the ages of the Earth (handout in class) Then we will present the position of Creationism. We will read the Creation account in the Bible book of Genesis – sacred to millions of Jews; Muslims; and Christians. Reply and defense from the literalist position.
MY WEBSITE: “What Evolution Is” by Mayer. http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/READINGS/Bryce Scans/What Evolution Is by Mayr 5 pages.pdf
MY WEBSITE:“Web Summary of Evolution” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/READINGS/Bryce Scans/What is Evolution Web Collection 3 pages.pdf
MY WEBSITE:“Reply from the Creationists and Book of Genesis Chapter 1, 2” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/READINGS/Bryce Scans/Phil Evolution Genesis 3 pages.pdf
YouTube.com: “PBS Nova Evolution Episode 7-- What About God?”
7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQNZHwAKpYM&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index=2 Creationist and Evangelical speaker Ken Ham and college student, Nathan Baird.
YouTube.com “Creationist John Pendleton: “The Earth is 6,000 Years Old” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1msS71xL00&list=FL0EKvjmcKiAmRIRn5YhrcaA&index=5 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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May 2 The World of the Mystical and the Paranormal I What’s the Deal with Death?” Ch 16: 188-196 The Final Exit and the Four Fears. Philosophical Doubts and Details. The Silence Argument. Arguments for Survival. The Light at the End of the Tunnel. Near Death Experiences. Listen to the editor of Skeptic Magazine, Michael Shermer, who claims that most paranormal footage is pure hokum.
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May 9 The World of the Mystical and the Paranormal II What’s the Deal with Death?” Ch 16: 188-196 The Final Exit and the Four Fears. Philosophical Doubts and Details. The Silence Argument. Arguments for Survival. The Light at the End of the Tunnel. Near Death Experiences. Listen to the editor of Skeptic Magazine, Michael Shermer, who claims that most paranormal footage is pure hokum.
MY Website: “Magic and Occult” packet http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/READINGS/Bryce Scans/Magic and the Occult 12 pages.pdf
MY Website: “Words to Know and Video Rating Sheet” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/School %20Spring%202011/YouTube%20videos%20Rating%20Sheet%20and%20Words%20to%20Know.doc
YouTube.com “Ghosts, Spirits, Demons Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deoJUBW9CI8 YouTube.com “Ghosts, Spirits, Demons Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OwaafssECo
YouTube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPf4mH8KVYA&feature=related Watch Michael Schermer on “Why People Believe Weird Things.”
Watch Amazing Randi as he debunks Peter Popoff Faith Healer and exposes Mentalist Uri Geller on YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9w7jHYriFo
MY Website: “Wikipedia on Ghost Hunters and K-2 Meter” Phil 101 and Phil 105: "Ghost Hunters and K-2 Meter" From Wikipedia .pdf file
8 DVD: “Ghost Hunters.” We will watch an episode of the popular Sci-fi original series “Site of the Charles Manson Hollywood Murders” and raise questions about their methodology and conclusions. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MAY 16 DEADLINE: LAST LECTURE ALL JOURNALS MUST BE IN The World of the Mystical and the Paranormal “What’s the Deal with Death?” Ch 16: 188-196 The Final Exit and the Four Fears. Philosophical Doubts and Details. The Silence Argument. Arguments for Survival. The Light at the End of the Tunnel. Near Death Experiences. Listen to the editor of Skeptic Magazine, Michael Shermer, who claims that most paranormal footage is pure hokum.
Website: “Magic and Occult” packet http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/READINGS/Bryce Scans/Magic and the Occult 12 pages.pdf
Website: “Words to Know and Video Rating Sheet” http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/bgayhart/School %20Spring%202011/YouTube%20videos%20Rating%20Sheet%20and%20Words%20to %20Know.doc
YouTube.com “Ghosts, Spirits, Demons Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deoJUBW9CI8 YouTube.com “Ghosts, Spirits, Demons Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OwaafssECo
YouTube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPf4mH8KVYA&feature=related Watch Michael Schermer on “Why People Believe Weird Things.”
Watch Amazing Randi as he debunks Peter Popoff Faith Healer and exposes Mentalist Uri Geller on YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9w7jHYriFo
Website: “Wikipedia on Ghost Hunters and K-2 Meter” Phil 101 and Phil 105: "Ghost Hunters and K-2 Meter" From Wikipedia .pdf file
DVD: “Ghost Hunters.” We will watch an episode of the popular Sci-fi original series “Site of the Charles Manson Hollywood Murders” and raise questions about their methodology and conclusions.
…………………………………………….. MAY 23 FINAL Exam (NO. 4) (Same time; Same classroom) YOU MUST SHOW FOR FINAL EXAM or ELSE LOSE CREDIT FOR THE COURSE
END OF COURSE
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