PHILOSOPHY 131B – THE HUMAN CONDITION
Professor: Dr. Gary L. Angel MWF
Office: Britt 211 BEC3
Phone: Ext. 4343
Hours: MWF 1:30-3:00
TTH 1:45-2:30
Texts: Solomon, Robert C., The Big Questions: A Short Introduction to Philosophy
The New Oxford Annotated Bible
OBJECTIVES:
1. To awaken students to the urgency of philosophical reflection in the establishment of responsible standpoints regarding basic beliefs.
2. To introduce students to philosophy as a discipline as well as to the relationships which philosophy bears to other disciplines.
3. To introduce students to the Bible as a source for reflection upon the human condition.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Class attendance will not be required. Student participation, however, is a requirement. Students are, therefore, strongly advised to attend class so that they may participate. Class participation will count 50% of the final grade.
2. There will be three (3) exams. There will be no make-up exams. If a student has an excellent reason for missing and exam, and if that student has a informed the professor of the conflict prior to the exam then other arrangements might be made. The three exams will count 50% of the final grade.
OUTLINE:
I. Introduction
Readings: Solomon Introduction, A Little Logic
II. The Existence of God
Readings: Solomon Ch. 3; Genesis 1-9, 18-19;
John 1:1-18; Isaiah 1;
Job 1-15, 38-42
A. Conceptions of God
B. The problem of evil
C. Faith and reason
1. Arguments for God's existence
a. Cosmological
b. Teleological
c. Ontological
2. Rational vs. irrational faith
III. Reality and the Mind/Body Problem
Readings: Solomon Ch. 4 & 6; Genesis 2; I Corinthians 15
TEST #1
Philosophy 131 – The Human Condition Page 2
IV. Concerning Freedom and Responsibility
Readings: Solomon Ch. 8; Genesis 3; Exodus 1-19; Romans 8
A. What is freedom?
1. Political freedom
2. Freedom as a value
3. Freedom as a property of the will
B. Free-will vs. determinism
C. Freedom and responsibility
TEST #2
V. Concerning Time, Eternity, and The Meaning of Life
F I N A L