Central Problems of Philosophy (V83.0010)
Fall 1998
Prof. Stephen Schiffer

 

SYLLABUS

• The text for the course is the 3rd edition of J. Perry and M. Bratman, eds., Introduction to Philosophy (Oxford University Press, 1998). It’s available only at Posman’s book store, Waverly and University Pl. Readings not in Perry and Bratman may occasionally be recommended.
• The course work will be two midterm exams, a final, and a short paper.
• The first midterm will be Thursday, October 8.
• The second midterm will be Thursday, November 12.
• The paper will be due at the final, and should be about 10-12 pp. Topics will be suggested as we go along, and you may propose your own topic (but proposed topics must be approved).

Topics

1. Free Will and Moral Responsibility

Reading: Introduction: On the Study of Philosophy. Part IV, section E: Campbell, Hume, Taylor, Frankfurt, and Strawson (unless otherwise specified, all references are to the 4^th edition of Perry & Bratman).
 

2. Who Are We and Why Should We Care?—Personal Identity and the Mind/Body Problem

Part IV, sections A and B: Ryle, Armstrong, Dennett, Churchland, Putnam, Turing, and Searle. Part IV, section C: all selections. Part IV, section D: Perry.
 

3. Knowledge and Skepticism

Part III, section A: all selections. Part III, section B: Ayer. Part III, section C: Salmon.
 

4. Does God Exist?—Theism, Agnosticism, and Atheism

Part II: all selections.
 

5. Justice and Equality

Part V, section D: all selections.
 

6. Puzzles and Paradoxes

Part VI, section B: The Paradox of the Heap; The Surprise Examination. Part VI, section C: The Prisoner’s Dilemma; Newcomb’s Problem. Part VI, section D: all selections.