RP140: The Big Ideas: INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Class Program

Credits 4

This course provides students with an opportunity to transformatively wrestle with "the big questions" by introducing them to the key theme, thinkers and debates in western philosophy. How do we decide what is right and what is wrong? Does God exist? What is the truth and how do we find it? Assuming no background in philosophy, this highly accessible class will help students think through these big questions in a practical way that connects to their lives and the ordinary problems we face everyday. We will not explore key issues in the history of philosophy, but actively work to apply them to urgent contemporary problems like fake news, social media and the environmental crises.

This course provides an introduction to philosophy, the field which lies at the heart of all academic inquiry. The course will explore the big questions, including ones we encounter in everyday life (e.g. What do I owe to other people?), ones that are part of philosophical traditions (e.g. Am I as free as I believe?), and ones that are important to other academic fields (e.g. Why should I trust scientific knowledge?). Question asking, critical inquiry and participation in discussion are essential features of this course.