PHIL 1311 - Philosophy of the Human Person

Summer 2001

Course Syllabus

Objective: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to philosophical inquiry by examining the fundamental issues and arguments concerning the nature of human beings. We will focus on the relationship between mind and body and examine the nature of perception and intellection. We will also investigate the nature of emotion, desire and habitual conditioning. The thought of Thomas Aquinas will serve as a basis for our work, and we will seek to deepen our understanding of the issues by contrasting his views with alternative theories, both ancient and contemporary.

In this course you will begin (or continue) to seek answers to the following questions (among others):

• Are you the same person you were ten years ago? Obviously you are, but what is your basis for believing this? Is this consistent with other things you believe about yourself? 
  
• How can people be praised or blamed, rewarded and punished, for their actions? Why? Is this consistent with other things we believe about human beings?
  
• How are humans different from animals? From computers? If they are essentially the same, why do we treat humans differently from both animals and computers? If they are fundamentally different, what does their difference consist in?
  
• Is it possible that there is a life after death? Is this only a religious question, or can science or philosophy make any contribution, positive or negative, to one’s answer to this question?
  
• Why is suicide bad? Drug use? Sexual license and/or prostitution? Lying? Why is altruism good? College attendance? Does our understanding of what a human person is have any bearing on what believe is good or bad behavior?

Requirements: Students are required to attend all classes consistent with University policy.  Class attendance and participation will affect each student's final grade.

Students are required to read all assignments carefully and more than once. The reading and analysis of philosophical writing is a skill difficult to acquire which this course will help students to develop. Study question will be provided to facilitate students' comprehension. Failure to read thoughtfully the assignments will show in class discussions, hinder the students' comprehension and make for a boring class.

Two short (2-3 page) analysis papers will be assigned during the semester.

The final grade for the course will be determined from the scores earned throughout the semester and weighted in the following manner: 15% Exam I, 15% Essay I, 20% Exam II, 20% Essay II, 30% final exam.  Final grades may be adjusted +/- 3 points based upon partcipation and attendence, according to the professor's judgment.

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

Students should have (or acquire) an e-mail account, and check it frequently.  Communication by e-mail will greatly facilitate communication between the instructor and students, especially outside of class time.  Students are encouraged to e-mail questions, comments and notifications of absences to the instructor at JosephMagee@aol.com.

Reading assignments will be made available on the reserve shelf in the UST library, and/or through links to material from the course web page.

Schedule of Readings
(dates and materials subject to change)