PHIL 100: Introduction to Philosophy

"One can only strive to become a philosopher, not be one as such. The moment one starts to think that one is a philosopher, one ceases instantly to become one"
(Friedrich Schlegel)

  Beginning students with the University will generally start by taking some lower level courses, irrespective of their main academic goals and interests. PHIL 100 is available to all students who are interested in such areas as the Humanities, Social Sciences, the Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Business Administration, Law, etc. The course introduces students to some of the traditional problems and contributors of philosophical thinking. It will enable students to become familiar with philosophical literature and the different methods by which the subject can be learned.
  Since the understanding of academic works always depends on the nature and structure of the language used, the course will also address some issues of language, the basic elements of valid arguments and their relationships to human understanding.
  A more detailed description of the subject and the related class agenda are provided within the accompanying course syllabus which is distributed at the first meeting of class. The scope of the course does not presuppose any previous knowledge, and terms become defined as they are introduced. Assessment is by means of a midterm progress examination and a final examination. Good passing grades are A, B, and C. Normally, all students are  expected to work hard to earn any of these.