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Spring 2003
This information effective for Spring 2003. Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.
Philosophy
[PHIL-011] [PHIL-022] [PHIL-152] [PHIL-190I]
11.
Introduction to Philosophy
Instructor:
J. Ellis
Course Description:
An introduction
to the main areas of philosophy using both classic and contemporary sources.
Focuses on central and enduring questions in philosophy, such as "What
makes some actions morally right and others morally wrong?" "Does
God exist?" "Do we have knowledge of the external world?"
"Do we have free will?" and "What is the relation between
mind and body?"
22.
Introduction
to Ethical Theory
MWF 9:30–10:40, Oakes 105
Instructor:
Julie Tannenbaum
Office: Cowell A105
Phone: (831) 459-5045
E-mail: tannenba@ucsc.edu
Draft Syllabus
Course Description:
This course will focus on the ethical theories of four philosophers: Aristotle, Hume, Kant, and Mill. Each philosopher has introduced a distinctive ethical theory that has been highly influential. We will examine one or more aspects of each philosopher's ethical theory, the arguments they offer for their views, critiques of these theories, as well as how these ethical theories differ and/or compliment another.
Here are some of the questions we will address. Why are the virtues important for living a good life? When we say that something is right or wrong, what are we saying? What makes a motive moral? In virtue of what does an action have moral worth—the motive or the consequences, both, or something else?
No background
in philosophy is necessary for taking this course. The goals of the course
are (1) to develop some appreciation of these different ethical theories,
the arguments that support the theories, and potential difficulties with
these theories; and (2) to hone your philosophical skills of argumentation,
clear and precise statement, critical thinking, and effective writing.
Assignments
Three papers
The first paper is 3 pages long and is worth 15% of the total grade.
The second paper is 4 pages long and is worth 30% of the total grade.
The third paper is 5 pages long and worth 35% of the total grade.
Two Quizzes
The fist quiz is worth 5% of the total grade.
The second quiz is worth 10% of the total grade.
Section participation
Weekly attendance in section and consistent section participation is worth 5% of the total grade.
Note:
All assignments must be completed to pass the course. Improvement
over the course can impact your grade favorably.
152. Aesthetics
Instructor: Robert Goff
Course Description:
Exploration
of philosophical encounters with and theories about artworks. Readings
will include works by Kleist, Nietzsche, Santayana, Dewey, Heidegger,
Benjamin, Gadamer, Merleau-Ponty, Wittgenstein, Foucault, Wollheim, and
Scarry. Two papers, one shorter, the other longer, the latter about 3,500
words and requiring outside reading. Two exams, midterm and final.
190I.
Studies in Religious Philosophy: Testimony
Instructor: Robert Goff
Course Description:
Readings and sessions will proceed for the most part as follows (some changes possible):
Week by Week: Ten weekly sessions with principal texts.
- Introductory: Recent iterations on philosophical voice (Lyotard, Derrida, Agamben). Meanings of testimony.
- Plato, Phaedo, Meno
- Augustine, Confessions
- M. de Montaigne, Essays (portions): R. Descartes, Meditations; R. Popkin, The History of Scepticism (portions)
- S. Kierkegaard, Sickness Unto Death, Concluding Unscientific Postscript (portions), Point of View for My Work as an Author
- L. Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations (portions), plus lectures and fragments on ethics and philosophical practice
- P. Ricoeur, Freud and Philosophy (portion), The Conflict of Interpretations (portions), Essays on Biblical Interpretation (portion)
- E. Levinas, God, Death, and Time (portions), Is It Righteous to Be? (portions); G. Agamben, Language and Death, Remnants of Auschwitz (portion)
- M. Foucault, The Politics of Truth (portion), Fearless Speech; J. Derrida, The Gift of Death; Aporias
- J.-F. Lyotard, The Postmodern Explained (portions), The Differend, The Confession of Augustine