Philosophy 201 - History of Philosophy I

Fall, 2001 - Pawling Hall 301

Professor: Dr. Norman Wirzba Pawling Hall 309

863-8204 (office) 867-1420 (home) e-mail: nwirzba0@

Office Hours: MWF 2:00-3:00 & TTh 1:00-2:00

Course Description: Survey of the development of western philosophical thought within its cultural contexts from ancient Greece through the Middle Ages. Exploration of foundational approaches to questions of reality, virtue, knowledge, God, faith and reason. (This course counts either as the one course general education requirement in philosophy, or, in conjunction with PHI 203, as part of the two course historical sequence requirement.) [3 hours credit]

Course Objectives/Outcomes: We will discover how philosophical thinking is born, what forms it takes, how it addresses and reflects uniquely human concerns and problems, and how it contributes to and perhaps differs from a Christian understanding of the world. Our orientation will be primarily historical, meaning that you will develop a basic understanding of the history of western philosophy from the ancient world through the medieval period. With this historical core in place you will be able to see the interrelationships between the natural sciences (physics, chemistry), social sciences (psychology, history), and other humanities (literature, theology) because many of these disciplines find their origin in ancient philosophical reflection. You will also, however, be asked to think critically about what we read and discuss. This class is not a museum walk. The issues raised by these great philosophers are of perennial and personal interest, and thus will require a response from you. In your writing assignments, but also in your in-class contributions, you will learn to articulate and communicate to others your own, philosophically informed, point of view.

Class Texts: Classics of Philosophy v. 1 (Pojman)

Augustine's Confessions

Class Assignments: In the first part of the semester we will cover the origins of philosophical thinking. We will consider the questions "why be philosophical at all?" and "what should philosophy be like?" To help you think through these questions you will write a 4-5 page paper responding to Protagoras's claim: "A human being is the measure of all things." Can this relativist claim be justified? Your paper must show a grasp of the issues involved, as well as provide an argument for the claim's defense or rejection. After our discussion of Plato, we will debate this same question in class. In your second 4-5 page paper you will creatively, but also critically, respond to one of the themes arising out of your reading of Augustine. Choose a passage (eg. the existence of God, the nature of human happiness, the reality of evil) from the Confessions and write a personal response in which you either agree or disagree. These assignments will help you to develop your own philosophical point of view on important human questions. You will be graded not on whether or not I agree with you but on your ability to clearly communicate and defend a position.

You will also be responsible for two midterm exams and a final exam. These exams will test your comprehension of the material, and your ability to communicate it clearly to others.

In-Class Discussion - 10%

Papers - 15% each

Midterms - 20% each

Final - 20%

Grading Policy: A= 90-100

B= 80-89

C= 70-79

D= 60-69

N.B. "A" means excellent, rather than simply good. This means that to get an "A" you have to demonstrate exceptional command of the material. This entails clarity of expression and persuasiveness of argument. If you are all exceptional philosophers I will not hesitate to give you all an "A." I do not grade on a curve.

Class Attendance: Class attendance is expected because philosophical learning takes place in community. This means you must be present to contribute to class discussion. You will be graded on your in-class contribution. You are also responsible for finding out about material missed in class due to your absence. I begin to take off 2% of your final grade after 6 absences. Also, as a rule, I do not give make-up exams or accept late assignments.

Academic Honesty: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses, and will be dealt with in a serious manner, i.e., an automatic “F” (0%) for the assignment. Do not attempt to download term papers from internet sites since they are easily identified as being someone else’s work. Remember that students at Georgetown have adopted an Honors System.

Tentative Schedule

Weeks 1-2 - Pre-Socratic (Classics 3-15)

Week 3 - Socrates (Classics 28-41) Exam # 1

Weeks 4-7 - Plato (Classics 74-184) Paper # 1 due week 4

Weeks 7-10 - Aristotle (Classics 245-267, 315-320) Exam # 2

Week 11 - Hellenistic Thinkers (Classics 352-390)

Weeks 12-13 - Augustine and Early Christianity (Confessions Bks I-X)

Week 14 - Medieval Thinkers (Classics 432-435, 442-446) Paper # 2 due December 7

N.B. I advise you to start reading Augustine's Confessions before week 12, so as not to find yourself swamped near the end of the semester. It is not very difficult to go through -- I wager that you will even find it pleasurable!

Bibliographical Information: A good resource for general information on philosophers and philosophical schools of thought is The Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Macmillan & Free Press). Other useful materials can be found in the bibliographic aids included in your textbooks. See me for further direction and more resources.