PHIL – U258 – Philosophical Anthropology (Sections 1 and 2) Spring 2014 When: Section 1 – 9:30 – 10:20 Section 2 – 2:30 – 3:20 Where: Section 1 – Communications/Music 303 Section 2 – Bobet Hall 214B Instructor: Joshua Lott Office: Bobet Hall 439A Office Hours: MW 3:30-5, TTH 12 – 5, and by Appointment Email:
[email protected];
[email protected] Phone: X2258 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The central question of this course is, “What does it mean to be a human being?” We will address this question by critically examining readings from a wide variety of sources. We will begin with the Ancient Greek Perspectives of Plato and Aristotle. Next, we will read selections from two Ancient Religious traditions – The Analects of Confucius and the Judeo-Christian Bible. Next, we will examine writings from Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Rousseau, each thinker representing one side of the conservative/liberal interpretation of human motivation. Then, we will immerse ourselves in an in-depth examination of Evolutionary theories, beginning with Darwin’s discoveries and tracing their permutations through genetics, behaviorism, and sociobiology. Next, we will survey the thought of several key 19th and 20th Century figures, focusing on Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Sartre. We will conclude the course with an examination of the major themes in the thought of Immanuel Kant. For a more detailed description of the purpose of this course, consult the Department of Philosophy: Goals & Learning Objectives for Upper Level Philosophy Common Curriculum Courses:http://chn.loyno.edu/system/files/goalsadvancedcc_000.PDF This course is designed to satisfy Objectives 1, 2, 4,and 5.