PHIL 101-01, Introduction to Philosophy, Fall 2007

Abstract

This course will introduce students to philosophical analysis and argumentation through themes in aesthetics (particularly those involving visual narratives). Students will discuss such topics as the nature of beauty, what makes something art, the logic of visual narratives, the nature of humor, the suspension of disbelief when watching movies, the demarcation of reality from fiction and what [if anything] should be done about offensive humor. In the process of addressing these topics, students will become familiar with the fundamentals of logic, metaphysics, epistemology and ethics. Readings will be taken from classic authors and contemporary thinkers (and even a few non-philosophers). The focus of the course will be on developing students’ abilities to articulate and defend their own views on these topics and understand their relation to other philosophical positions.