Big Questions

What is justice? What is beauty? What is the right thing to do? What is real? How can I be sure of what I know? This philosophy class will cultivate and refine your critical thinking skills by asking you to consider such fundamental questions. The emphasis is not on finding the answers, but on understanding the process of reasoning through a problem. You and your classmates will explore the methods philosophers use to develop and assess potential solutions. You'll learn to actively listen, evaluate arguments, formulate your own clear opinions, and defend your conclusions against objections. By participating in discussions and activities, reading works by ancient and modern philosophers, and writing short essays you will develop the analytical reasoning skills needed to ask challenging questions, and become a better thinker across many disciplines. Typical Class Size: 14-16 Course Overview Learning Objectives: Show increased understanding of the core methodology of Western, analytic philosophy Describe several core branches of philosophy, including epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics Apply the philosophical method to examine concepts and beliefs Construct well-formed arguments in support of a philosophical position Analyze the arguments of philosophers and classmates using logic and reasoning