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Overview
What does it mean to say that we
know something?
Does the world around us exist, or
is it all just a dream?
What would the just state look
like?
What is it to be a just individual?
Do we have free will?
Does it make a difference whether
we have free will?
Can machines think?
Can they have free will?
Does God exist?
Would the existence of God affect
how we answer the preceding questions?
Ancient as well as modern sources
will be used to explore these and other questions.
The goals of this course are (1) to
get students to understand and appreciate what some of the major
themes and issues have been in western philosophical thought; (2) to
improve the ability of students to interpret philosophical texts,
and (3) to improve the ability of students to engage in critical
evaluations of both their own views and the views of others.
The required readings for this course are
not easy, nor is the kind of philosophising we will be doing.
Attending class regularly is
essential for students hoping to do well.
Students who feel they cannot attend class on a regular basis are
strongly advised to reconsider taking this course.
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