INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY Spring 2012

“Philosophy begins in wonder”- Plato

γνῶθι σεαυτόν (Know thyself) -Oracle at Delphi

”As for me, all I know is that I know nothing,”- Socrates

   In “Introduction to Philosophy” we will explore some of the fundamental problems that have challenged and perplexed human beings throughout the ages.   Our investigation will be focused around the essential questions that all human beings grapple with as part of the human experience. Course materials, readings and assignments will be organized around the following questions:

1)    What is Reality?

2)    What is Identity?

3)    What is Virtue and how do we know  what is “Good?”

4)    What is Truth?

5)    What is Justice?

We will use the writings of great philosophers, movies  and class activities to investigate these questions.  In addition, as part of our philosophical inquiry, we will read and discuss ethical scenarios that will allow us strip away the things that complicate matters in real life in order to focus clearly on the essence of a problem. We will also participate in and conduct “Socrates Cafes” with students from neighboring elementary schools  to expand our discussions and to extend our dialogue to the larger community

Grades will be based on the following:

 1. Class Dialogue/ Participation (30% of your grade.)

Be prepared for and engaged in class discussion through speaking and through active listening. Daily participation includes

            • Being prepared with all materials

            • Demonstrating effort to engage in the subject matter

            • Exhibiting contemplative speech, which includes:

-       Evidence of “Beginner’s Mind”

-       Ability to listen and accept ideas different from one’s own without judgment

-       Speaking with clarity, precision and care

 2. Written Demonstration of Learning (35% of your grade.)

                • Formal Essays that  address a particular topic of discussion. All formal essays need to be typed

3. Demonstration of Learning by Presentations/Projects/ Class discussions written/ delivered by you (15% of your grade) 

4. Homework (20% of your grade)

            • Journal entries that offer opportunity for daily reflection on our reading and discussion

            • Homework is designed primarily to practice, analyze and/or reflect on material already discussed in class, or to prepare for the next                day's class. Depending on the assignment, written homework may or may not be graded.  Late homework will be marked down 10%                per day for lateness

 5. “The Kicker” – if you  do not complete homework or are not prepared for a class that DEPENDS upon  reading and/or the fulfillment of an assignment for class discussion, you will  not be admitted into the room. You will receive a ZERO for class dialogue for the day and you will be marked down for the written part of any assignments that are due.

Term Weights

Weighting of exams and terms will be as follows:

Term        3^rd quarter        4th quarter              Final Reflection

Weight       40%                      40%                            10%                                         

Power School

Grades will be posted on an on-going basis on Power School. Be sure to check how you are doing or if you have any missing assignments!

Syllabus, Daily Lessons and Homework Assignments can be found at

Cadwellphilosophy.pbworks.com. Click on Syllabus to find daily assignments

 Classroom Expectations:

1) No iphones, ipods, mp3 players or earphones in class AT ANY TIME! This includes during test periods. Disconnect before you come!

2) Water bottles are welcome and encouraged- no sodas or drinks other than water in class, please

3) No food in class unless you bring enough for everyone to share. J

 Conferences and Extra Help

I am happy to meet with students and parents at any convenient time that can be arranged, whether this is during our mutual free blocks during the day or after school. If you need assistance, clarification, or if you want to talk for any reason, not hesitate to contact me to set up a meeting. My e-mail is kcadwell@madriver.com and/or cadwellk@harwood.org and my cell phone is 522-7410

Please go over the course description and have your parent/guardian sign and return the following:

  I have read the Introduction to Philosophy course description and have discussed the requirements and challenges of the class with my son/daughter.

________________________ (Name)               ________________ (date)