This course introduces students with no
prior knowledge of philosophy to some of the perennial issues in philosophy
which arise out of the search for knowledge of and about the self, being, existence,
truth and meaning in life; good and evil; appearance and reality; the rational
grounds for belief in anything and especially in God; scepticism and knowledge;
and social justice. In this regard, we begin with an attempt to examine those
basic issues of human existence such as conceptions of human nature, meaning of
life, freedom, death and afterlife. The course emphasizes critical thinking and
the value of understanding of issues, appreciation of problems and resolution
of difficulties through the use of reasoning and reasoned argumentation as
special human capacities for the evolution and development of civilizations. This
Course will require careful reading, listening, dialogue, preparation for
quizzes, and writing, on your part.
- Teacher: Melton Watkis