Slide 2:
INTRODUCTION
Studying Philosophy:
Studying Philosophy Philosophy often deals with our understanding of the world, ourselves, and human practices Philosophers deliver arguments to explain these phenomena Our job is to critically address how good, logical, successful or convincing these arguments are We also make our own arguments, based on strong reasoning and logic
Studying Philosophy:
Studying Philosophy This class will take a problem-based approach to philosophy We will look at different areas of the discipline, and address small sample problems from each area, in order to critically assess them The areas we will look at are: Logic and reasoning. Problems: paradoxes Philosophy of religion. Problems: is there a god? Why is there evil? Philosophy of mind. Problems: How do I know what is real? What am I? Philosophy of knowledge (“epistemology”). Problems: Where do my ideas come from? Philosophy of art (“aesthetics”). Problems: What is art? Why does music move us? Moral, social and political philosophy. Problems: What makes people form societies?
Studying Philosophy:
Studying Philosophy These are just a few samples of the many areas and questions that philosophy deals with. Each time, our job will be to look at the arguments presented to answer each question, and critically assess how good, or convincing they are. We can ask: What is the main claim? How good or convincing is the argument to support that claim? Do I agree with the overall claim or argument? Why or why not? Is there an example that challenges the claim? Is there an example that supports the claim? Can I present a better claim, or a better argument?
Slide 6:
PARADOXES
What is a paradox? :
What is a paradox? Philosophy often relies on logic: a good argument is logically consistent, or does not have any flaws in its reasoning. However, sometimes, even if an argument is logical, it can lead to absurd conclusions. A paradox is a puzzle or problem in which each step of the argument makes sense, or is logical, yet it leads to a conclusion that seems false, or absurd.
Paradox of the racecourse:
Paradox of the racecourse Zeno of Elea: Parmenides, “all is one”
Paradox of the heap:
Paradox of the heap How many grains of rice make a heap? How many lost hairs make a man bald? Vagueness Modern adaptations