john olon/english & theology departments

Honors Philosophy
 

Course Description:

This is a yearlong mixed-seminar style honors course for seniors taught from a Catholic perspective in which we look at the history of philosophy with an emphasis on Thomistic and neo-Thomistic philosophy. Students will engage in a direct and sustained confrontation with primary source selections from a variety of texts as well as excerpts from films. Students will be expected to read carefully, keep a journal of their reflections as they read, participate fully in class discussions, and write short papers on selected topics.

Course Goals/Objectives:

• To introduce the student to some of the thinkers who have been pivotal in shaping what used to be called "the Western mind." The German poet Goethe wrote, "He who cannot draw on three thousand years is living from hand to mouth." This course will focus on discussing the ideas of, among others, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Kierkegaard, Maritain, and Pope John Paul II.  Given the time span we are covering and the complexity of the views involved, this can be no more than an introduction to these thinkers and their influence. Our aim, then, with respect to the historical aspect of this course is the modest one of attaining a basic level of philosophical and intellectual literacy.

• To discuss and understand the Catholic position on the following sorts of questions:

o    What sort of life should I live?

o    Is there a reason or cause for everything?

o    Does God exist? If God does, and is good, why is there evil?

o    Am I entirely a physical system, or is some essential part of me nonphysical?

o    If, in principle, everything that happens in nature could be explained by a complete science, is there any room for freedom of the kind most of us believe we have?

• To provide a medium in which the student develops and refines his/her ability to recognize, critically assess and analyze arguments.

• To closely examine the relationship between reason and faith, especially exemplified in science and religion

• To gain a basic understanding of Aristotelian and symbolic logic

Texts/Materials for Course:

• Education at the Crossroads – Jacques Maritain 0300001630
• Nicomachean Ethics – Aristotle (Terrence Irwin translation) 0872204642
• St. Thomas Aquinas on Politics and Ethics – Paul Sigmund (editor) 0393952436

     An Introduction to Philosophy – Daniel Sullivan 0895554690

• Three ring binder for handouts
• Notebook (to use as a journal)
• Notebook (for notes)
• Pen/pencil

Instructional Methods:

Group discussion, direct instruction, writing process, and written reflections.

Grading Policy:

Since this is a seminar, participation plays a significant role in your grade.  If you are prepared (possess all the necessary materials), pay attention, but do not participate you will earn a C for the participation grade.  As the quantity and quality of participation increases, so does your grade.  Likewise, your grade decreases with inappropriate or irrelevant comments or by not paying attention.

You will often have a brief reading quiz on the previous night’s reading at the beginning of class. At the end of each quarter will be an exam based on the readings and areas of logic covered only in that quarter. You will have to write at least two papers, keep a journal, and complete a projects.

You may turn a paper in later (up to 24 hours) for half credit.

Make-Up Work Policy:

If you have an excused absence, word due the day of the absence is due the first day you are back in school. 

Missed class work and homework from an excused absence should be made up within three days (unless you have an extended absence) and it is your responsibility to make the arrangements to do so.

If you have an unexcused absence you will not receive any credit for missed work or tests.

Classroom Procedures/Policies:

• Come to class prepared.  This means having completed the assigned readings at least once and having thoroughly thought through what you have read.  Annotate the text to prepare for discussion and have at least three questions for the dialogue.  All readings are quiz-worthy.

• Be courteous.  Do not mock or ridicule other people’s ideas.  Be sure to back your thoughts up with concrete evidence and well-reasoned arguments.

• Stay focused.  The text is the center of our discussion.  While it is certainly understandable that the dialogue will meander to other topics, it is important to remember what our topic is.

• Back opinions with textual proof whenever possible.  All opinions are not equal, so try to have an educated opinion.

• Listen carefully and thoughtfully.  The dialogue can only succeed if everyone pays attention to each other.  Also, be sure to respond to what people have said, not what you think they said.

• Think before speaking.  Attempt to make lucid, well-reasoned arguments rather than emotional ones.  While we are certain to touch upon sensitive issues you must learn to keep your feelings in check, respect other people’s opinions, and respond intelligently.

• Keep an open and inquisitive mind.

• Do not raise your hand, but make statements then respectfully yield the floor to other students to respond.

Syllabus

*Bring pencil, pen, and notebook

4

5

Lecture Schedule

St. John’s College, Annapolis
Formal Lecture Series 2008-2009 
 

November 14
On Race
Professor Robert Bernasconi
University of Memphis

November 21
Plato's Charmides
Mr. Alan Pichanick, Tutor
St. John's College, Annapolis

December 12
King William Players Production

Reading List
 

Recommended Readings