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Academic Year 2005/2006

Philosophical Dilemmas and Descartes's Meditations
PHIL 233 SP

Descartes's MEDITATIONS, perhaps the most widely studies philosophical text, marks the beginning of modern philosophy. It is a short, but very deep, work, addressing many of the major philosophical questions, and we will study it, as well as other more contemporary readings, in some detail. We will examine questions such as these: Can we know about the external world? Is experience the source of all knowledge? Does God exist? Can God allow innocent suffering? Is morality relative? Do we have free will? Is the mind nothing but the brain? In each case we'll explore not only pro and con responses to the questions in general, but Descartes's responses in particular, with special emphasis on helping the student to develop his/her own responses.

MAJOR READINGS

Descartes's, MEDIATATIONS
Plus various more contemporary readings.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

This will be a writing-intensive course, so there will be numerous short papers each going through at least two drafts, with feedback on the rough drafts. In addition there will be regular quizzes, and perhaps a final exam or longer final paper.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA PHIL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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