Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

Back to List

PHL100ZA(哲学 / Philosophy 100)
Introduction to Philosophy

Joel Van Fossen

Class code etc
Faculty/Graduate school Department of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies
Attached documents
Year 2024
Class code A6102
Previous Class code
Previous Class title
Term 春学期授業/Spring
Day/Period 金1/Fri.1
Class Type
Campus 市ヶ谷 / Ichigaya
Classroom name 市外濠‐S601
Grade 1~4
Credit(s) 2
Notes
Open Program
Open Program (Notes)
Global Open Program
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers
Interdepartmental class taking system for Academic Achievers (Notes)
Class taught by instructors with practical experience
SDGs CP
Urban Design CP
Diversity CP
Learning for the Future CP
Carbon Neutral CP
Chiyoda Campus Consortium
Duplicate Subjects Taken Under Previous Class Title
Category (commenced 2024 onwards) 100-level Introductory Courses(入門)
Education-Philosophy-Psychology
Category (commenced 2020-2023) 100-level Introductory Courses(入門)
Humanities
Category (commenced 2016-2019) 100-level Introductory Courses
Arts and Literature

Show all

Hide All

Outline and objectives

Philosophy tackles topics of fundamental interest and importance such as the nature of knowledge, the mind, and free will. This introductory philosophy course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental concepts, questions, and methodologies of philosophy. Through critical thinking, analysis, and discussion, students will engage with some of the most enduring and thought-provoking questions ever posed by humans. The content of this course focuses on Western Philosophy.

Goal

This course has five primary learning goals. (1) Develop critical thinking skills: Learn to analyze and evaluate arguments, identify fallacies, and construct well-reasoned arguments. (2) Develop active reading skills: Acquire the ability to read nuanced and challenging texts effectively. (3) Enhance communication skills: Develop the ability to articulate complex philosophical ideas both verbally and in writing. (4) Explore philosophical traditions: Gain an understanding of major philosophical movements in Western Philosophy. (5) Investigate fundamental questions: Delve into classical philosophical questions such as the nature of reality, knowledge, and the mind.

Which item of the diploma policy will be obtained by taking this class?

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

Default language used in class

英語 / English

Method(s)(学期の途中で変更になる場合には、別途提示します。 /If the Method(s) is changed, we will announce the details of any changes. )

Classes will sometimes begin with a short quiz to assess comprehension of weekly readings. Then roughly one hour of each meeting will consist of an interactive lecture with slides. Students will then participate in a small group or class discussion. Submissions and feedback for the papers will be provided via Hoppii. Quiz feedback will be provided at the beginning of class.

Active learning in class (Group discussion, Debate.etc.)

あり / Yes

Fieldwork in class

なし / No

Schedule

授業形態/methods of teaching:対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]:Introduction

What is philosophy?

2[対面/face to face]:Epistemology 1

Skepticism

3[対面/face to face]:Epistemology 2

The Analysis of Knowledge

4[対面/face to face]:Epistemology 3

Testimony

5[対面/face to face]:Epistemology 4

Reading Minds

6[対面/face to face]:Mind 1

Dualism

7[対面/face to face]:Mind 2

Identity Theory

8[対面/face to face]:Mind 3

Functionalism

9[対面/face to face]:Mind 4

Consciousness

10[対面/face to face]:Free Will 1

Libertarianism

11[対面/face to face]:Free Will 2

Hard Determinism

12[対面/face to face]:Free Will 3

Compatibilism 1

13[対面/face to face]:Free Will 4

Compatibilism 2

14[対面/face to face]:Paper Workshop

Workshop final paper

Work to be done outside of class (preparation, etc.)

Students should complete weekly readings before coming to class. Students should also review their notes and course slides after every class. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

Textbooks

Nagel, Jennifer. (2014). Knowledge: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

This textbook is required.

References

No texts are required. A full bibliography will be given to students at the beginning of the course.

Grading criteria

Class Participation (15%), Quizzes (20%), Reaction Papers (30%), Final Paper (35%).

Changes following student comments

Minor changes have been made to the topics covered. In particular, the sections on ethics have been replaced by the topic of free will. Students interested in ethics are encouraged to take Introduction to Ethics.

Equipment student needs to prepare

A computer for in-class surveys.

Prerequisite

There is no prerequisite for this course. Students who intend to register for this course are required to attend the first class (online). A screening will be conducted in the class if necessary.