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PHIL 110-0 : Introduction to Philosophy

Description

In this course, we will explore a number of diverse philosophical issues, both old and new, but all still very relevant. The focus will be on exercising our ability to think critically, and on the analysis and formulation of arguments. We will begin the course by addressing issues regarding our capacity to understand the world. These include the rationality of religious belief; whether or not there are, or could be, machines that think; and the place of the mind within a scientific conception of the world. Then we will turn to issues in practical philosophy, with an emphasis on ethics. These include the objectivity—or relativity—of moral value; whether or not the rightness of action is measured by its possible consequences; and applied issues such as whether we have a duty to help those in need. We will also consider some issues in political philosophy, especially the question of what, if anything, justifies the authority of the state.