PHIL230

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PHIL230

Reason and Paradox PHIL230 SP

Section	Class Size	*Available	Times
1	40	8	Times: M.W.... 2:40PM-4:00PM;
2	10	0	Times: M.W.... 2:40PM-4:00PM;

*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for the current phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration. (Last Updated on Wed Mar 4 05:00:40 EST 1998 )

This course is intended to be an introduction to philosophy, logic and conceptual issues underlying the foundations of the natural and social sciences. We will focus on six paradoxes: (1) Zeno's Paradox, about the concepts of space, time and motion, (2) the Liar Paradox, about the notions of truth and reference, (3) the Sorites Paradox, about the notion of vagueness, (4) the Prisoner's Dilemma, about the possibility of rational action, (5) Arrow's Paradox, about the possibility of political representation, and (6) a surprise paradox to be announced in class. There are two reasons for studying paradoxes as an introduction to the nature of rationality. Firstly, paradoxes are simply fun. In most cases, they are simple to state, but difficult to solve. But secondly, paradoxes are serious. Unlike Sunday supplement puzzles and "brain teasers," the paradoxes we will look at raise deep problems. Historically, they are associated with crises in thought and revolutionary advances. To grapple with them is not merely to engage in an intellectual game, but requires learning to think hard, and precisely, about some of the most difficult and fundamental concepts of the sciences and philosophy.

MAJOR READINGS

Selections from some classic texts.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

During the semester there will be two kinds of assignments that alternate with one another. The first consists of short papers on questions that will be set in class. The second consists of problem sets that can be solved on computer. Lastly, there will be a take-home final examination.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE REGISTERING FOR SECTION 2: This section requires more problem sets and papers than Section 1. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS PHIL

Prerequisites: None

Section 01: Shieh, S; Times: M.W.... 2:40PM- 4:00PM;; Grading Mode: A/F; Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 0, Jr: 0, So: 2, Fr: 1; No Major Preference Given
Section 02: Shieh, S; Times: M.W.... 2:40PM- 4:00PM;; Grading Mode: A/F; Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 2, Jr: 1, So: 0, Fr: 0; Major Preference Given; Permission of Instructor Required.

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

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