Well, congratulations on entering the class site and getting this far.  Now we get into it.  If you got this far you can make it through the rest of this.

OK let's get started by having you explore the course site and learn about the requirements and what we will be doing here.  For this first module or learning unit  you are expected to do the following TEN things! Yes TEN (10):   For this first few days you are expected to do the following TEN things! Yes TEN (10):

1. Read all the documents that are part of COURSE OUTLINE using the link Course Outline.

2. Print out the Calendar - under COURSE OUTLINE or CALENDAR or SCHEDULE ! 

3. Read or open and just quickly note what is in the BB Student Manual- under TOOLS

4. Introduce yourself to your classmates under the DISCUSSION BOARD- INTRODUCTIONS

This is an area for you to introduce yourself to the class and where you can go to meet the others that are in this course.  Post an item to start a discussion, or read other students' responses if there are any, and make a response.

You will find my profile by clicking the Staff Information button in the Opening of the Course. Check this area to meet the others in this course. Since profiles will be posted as people join the course for the first time, you may have to return to this area several times to see the latest entries.

5.

 Or   view the attached .mov file  On EXPO Site and Eportfolios <<<<  you need a Quicktime viewer or this video by Dr. Barbara Walters   http://www.screencast.com/t/r3Y7kfPO

6. Create a question or answer in a word processor and copy and paste it into the DISCUSSION BOARD under ASK THE PROFESSOR 

7. email:   Prepare a word processed document with the contents described below and then send it to the Professor through email.

• 
  1. What is Written Assignment Number Five(5) for Module Five? Copy and paste it into the document.
  
  2. When is written assignment Seven(7) due?
  
  3. What must you do to get the maximum number of points for the discussions in each of the eight modules?

Email me at ppecorino@qcc.cuny.edu   to make sure that I know your email address and that you can send me email form your address.   Follow this protocol for all email sent to me

SUBJECT:  first name, last name,  class# , Question or HELP or ASSIGNMENT#

DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS!!!!!

8. Go to iPASS and register there for services in support of the written assignments. www.qcc.cuny.edu/ISS/iPASS. All written assignments may be revised and resubmitted.  Go to iPASS and register there for services in support of the written assignments.  The iPASS eTUTORS will assist you with your assignments for modules 2 through 7.  You are required to use the eTUTOR service so that you will maximize you grade.

9.Check the Calendar under COURSE INFORMATION !   Look for the Schedule! CALENDAR

10. Check out the online Textbook for the course located at a number of sites:

TEXTBOOK

http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/pecorip/SCCCWEB/ETEXTS/INTRO_TEXT/default.htm 

http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/SocialSciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/default.htm

 11. (Optional for now, but you may find it useful)

GO to the STUDENT CAFÉ.

This is a discussion area for our class outside the context of a particular course module. Just as you have the opportunity to talk or chat with each other or with the instructor when taking a conventional classroom course, you should also have the opportunity to do the same in a web course. The STUDENT CAFÉ is available only to students enrolled in this class to post and/or read messages and respond. These can include questions or comments to other students  about course material, assignments, readings, etc. It is also a place where you can go to socialize and have open discussion on subjects of your interests.

You will find the STUDENT CAFE in the DISCUSSION BOARD section of the Course.     

top

=============================================================================

This is an assignment for which there are no wrong answers. Simply answer all the questions and submit them through the email by the DUE DATE and you will receive full credit. Do no research before you answer these questions.  Do your best based upon prior knowledge. Short answers placed after each question will suffice.  Be sure to answer all parts.  Do NO RESEARCH!  Do not use a dictionary or encyclopedia or any other reference work .

• A.   List the five or so most important questions or problems you think about. 
• B.   If you had virtually unlimited financial resources at your disposal what would you begin doing with your life? 
• C.   Why did you take this philosophy course? 
• D.   What do you expect to put into this course? 
• E.   What is Philosophy? 
• F.   How do you use the term "philosophy"? 
• G.   How do others use the term "philosophy"? Give examples. 
• H.   What good is philosophy? 
• I.   What importance might philosophy have in your future?

I suggest that you create your assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor or by email with the text inside the email message window. DO NOT send attachments .

Written Assignment for MODULE 2 The Greeks and Philosophy

This assignment has three parts A, B and C.  Be sure to answer all three parts:

Philosophy emerges amongst the Greeks in its fullest form in the works of Plato.  What was philosophy to Plato?  Plato describes the manner for doing philosophy as involving a dialectical process of thought. Describe that process. Plato wrote dialogues rather than essays so that he could show people how philosophy was done. He learned the methodology form Socrates and so he attempts to show us what he saw and thus we could learn as he learned. Cite any passages where he is advising people on the method for thinking (some are given below) that he is demonstrating in the dialogues. What does the process involve?   While he shows the method in all his dialogues he gets specific in a few of them, including the PHAEDO and the REPUBLIC where he speaks of arguments, argumentation and the dialectical process. These are the passages that are supplied in the link below.

Part A. Reading comprehension

Use the seven (7)  PASSAGES  supplied at this webpage PASSAGES and cite where Plato speaks ABOUT Philosophy.  Copy and paste the exact words from each of the seven passages using quotation marks and the source citation for the exact passages where Plato describes what Philosophy is about and how to do Philosophy.  Passages for Part I.  What was philosophy to Plato? Describe the process. What does the process involve?

Click on this link PASSAGES and you will find where I supply the seven (7) most pertinent passages that describe the Dialectical Process of Inquiry that Plato identifies with the process of Philosophical thinking.

You should quote the exact lines that indicate what Plato thought Philosophy was and how to go about doing it. The basic idea is to take the excerpts from the passages that provide a description of the dialectical process of thought that for PLATO was Philosophy- a method for thinking.

Part B. Understanding the source materials

Find at least two passages in the dialogues that were covered in this module where Plato shows Socrates entering into the dialectical process of Philosophy.  Copy and paste the passages using  quotation marks and cite the source dialogue. You find 2 passages where Socrates is exchanging questions and answers with someone on a topic, issue or question. 

Where do you find these passages? Find them in any of these dialogues: ION EUTHYPHRO APOLOGY CRITO  PHAEDO REPUBLIC SYMPOSIUM DO NOT USE THE SEVEN (7) PASSAGES SUPPLIED ABOVE IN PART A THAT DESCRIBE DIALECTICS!!!!  Those passage are not demonstrations of the process but are descriptions of it.

 How long do they need to be?  Not the entire dialogue !! Just submit a passage long enough to see the back and forth of the question and answer process by which Socrates leads his audience to some point of clarity or some position on an issue. To show how one goes about doing it you should quote the exact lines or the passages in the dialogues where Plato has Socrates interact with others using the dialectical methods of philosophy. 

DO NOT RELATE ALL OF THE NICE IDEAS OF PLATO be specific as to the idea of what Philosophy itself actually is.

DO NOT USE THE SEVEN (7) PASSAGES SUPPLIED ABOVE IN PART A THAT DESCRIBE DIALECTICS!!!!  Those passage are not demonstrations of the process but are descriptions of it.

Part C. Critical thinking

In your own words describe how philosophy is done according to Plato.  What does one do when doing philosophy?  Be somewhat extensive in describing the exact process.  Do not describe what it is good for or what you think about it.  Describe exactly what philosophy is for Plato.  This means that you should describe what the dialectical process of thinking is and its steps.  Take the seven passages in Part A above and put them into your own words in a single description of the process of inquiry known as Philosophy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I suggest that you create your assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor or by email with the text inside the email message window. DO NOT send attachments .
top

=============================================================================

Written Assignment for MODULE 3 Philosophy of Religion

This assignment has two parts A and B.  Answer each part.

Part A.  Arguments for the Existence of a deity , a god.

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

The arguments for the existence of god have weaknesses. Some have more problems than others. Some seem more attractive and some stronger than others.  Answer each part.

• A. Why do humans care about these arguments or proofs?
• B. What use can a believer make of these arguments despite the problems? What value do they have for philosophers or for anyone?  BE SURE that you consult the summary of all the arguments in the online textbook to learn about this.
• C. Since they all have problems, are they necessary for the believer in god? Can people believe even though they do not know these arguments? Can they go on believing even though there are such problems with the arguments? What do you think about this?

2. Critical Thinking

• D. Select any one (1) and only one (1) of the following arguments (Ontological, Teleological, Cosmological, Miracles, Experiences) and answer each part.
• E. What is the argument or proof?  STATE the EXACT REASONING in steps. Be exact and complete. Each arguments has premises and a conclusion.  What are they?
• F. Why are believers attracted to it?
• G. What are the problems with the argument? What are the criticisms of this argument?
• H. How do the defenders respond to the specific criticisms? -indicate that you have done some reading and thinking in your answer

Part B. The Problem of EVIL

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

A. What is the Problem of Evil? Be exact and complete. STATE the EXACT REASONING in steps. Be exact and complete-indicate that you have done some reading and thinking in your answer

B. Many believe that the Problem of Evil can not be solved. They think that the resolution of the conflict between God’s characteristics and the existence of evil can only result in denying the existence of the deity altogether or the changing of the properties of the deity or a recasting of the idea of evil so that it really is not evil at all. So, there are  four possible responses to the problem:

• 1. deny that there is a god : atheism
• 2. change the idea of god : post modern ideas e.g., process theology
• 3. change the idea of evil
• 4. attempt to explain how an all perfect god and evil can exist at the same time using the free will defense or the testing defense  or some other defense that is part of Theodicy.

  Explain each one.  Do not simply list them.  Describe them and explain them. This will take more than one sentence for each one.

2. Critical Thinking

Dialectical thinking

• a. Take a position on this question or issue Be as exact as you can be.  Be precise in your use of language.
• b.  Provide the reasons why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions Position defended using reasoning in support of the judgment (conclusion of the  argument).  You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.
• c.  State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending
• d.  State the criticisms of your position
• e.   Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- how do you defend your position in light of those criticisms

NOTE:   With this problems it is not a matter of the battle of good versus evil and which side will win. It is not a question of winning or losing at all.  The problem is not the existence of evil . The problem is that the IDEA of GOD as all perfect and all good and all knowing and all powerful is is inconsistent with the existence of moral evil.

*******************

 I suggest that you create your assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor  by email with the text inside the email message window. DO NOT send attachments ***************************************************

top

=============================================================================

Written Assignment for MODULE 4 Metaphysics and Epistemology

4A.  Metaphysics

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

A. There are several different theories concerning reality and what makes something real or what exists.   Describe at least four of those theories or positions on this issue of the REAL.  Provide some detail in your descriptions. DO NOT simply list them. Explain each one.  Do not simply list them.  Describe them and explain them. This will take more than one sentence for each one.

2. Critical Thinking-concerning the theory of reality and of multiple realities

B. For you which of the theories concerning reality makes the most sense and why?  For you what makes something real?  How can you determine if something actually exists or not, determine if it is real or not?

C. What do you think of the theory that there can be simultaneous multiple realities? Read the note below and then   Answer each question.

• What is the theory that there can be simultaneous multiple realities?
• Does it make any sense?
• What evidence supports it?
• Do you believe that what one person believes may not agree with another person’s belief and so what may be thought to be real to one person may not be thought to be real to the second person?
• Do you think that the situation is caused by there being two different realities?
• Do you think that the two different realities can coexist? Explain your reasoning. Be sure to explain the following: Society A believes that the earth is really FLAT and Society B believes that the earth is really SPHERICAL. Do you accept that the earth is really BOTH AT THE SAME TIME that is that there is more than one reality simultaneously?
• Do you think that each group and each person is entitled to their own reality? Explain what this might mean? Defend your position with reasons why you hold the position that you do? Explain how each person would be entitled to their own collection of all existing real entities.
• What is to be done when there is a conflict between two groups who each claim different "realities"? How is the conflict to be resolved? Does the conflict's resolution determine what reality is? Use cogent reasoning. Provide some indication of your familiarity with the readings.

Please make an effort to distinguish different perceptions of a single reality from totally different realities.

NOTE:

• This meaning of reality means what is real and not a person's view of what is real.
• This question is asking if there can be more than one total reality.
• It is not asking about whether or not people can have different experiences or views of the same reality.
• This question is asking whether there can be more than one entire reality (universe) at the same time.
• Granted that people have different experiences and different views what are they of?
• Is there a single reality that people have different views of?
• or, are there as many realities as there are different views?
• Is it possible that there is one reality and some people have correct views of it and other people have wrong or incorrect views of it?
• Or are there many realities and each group of people can have their own reality?
• What becomes of the reality of other groups? Are they no longer real?

 4B  Epistemology

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

There are Four types of claims for the four types of knowledge: SEMANTIC, SYSTEMIC, LOGICAL and EMPIRICAL.  Truth is determined differently according to the claims.

A. Describe how truth is to be determined for the following types of claims: SEMANTIC, SYSTEMIC, LOGICAL

B. For EMPIRICAL claims there are the four different theories concerning the determination of the truth of empirical claims:

• Correspondence theory of truth
• Coherence theory
• Pragmatist theory
• Scientific Theory

Describe each  of these four theories for proving empirical claims to be true. Explain each one.  Do not simply list them.  Describe them and explain them. This will take more than one sentence for each one.

2. Critical Thinking

C. What do you think of the theory that there can be simultaneous multiple truths concerning claims? Concerning all types of claims?  Does it apply to claims that are semantic, systemic, logical or empirical?   Comment on each type.  Can there be multiple truths for each type of claim?  For any type of claim?  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.

D. What one person believes may not agree with another person’s belief and so what may be be believed to be true to one person may not be believed to be true to the second person.  Does this mean that they are both correct?  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.

E. Do you think that each group and each person is entitled to their own truth? Does this apply to all claims? Explain what this might mean. Explain and defend your position on this question with reasons. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer. If you think that there can be more than one truth about the same claim at the same time then be sure to explain how there can be more than one truth about the shape of the earth and who is president of the USA and the sum of 2 and 7 and the number of angles in a triangle AT THE SAME TIME.

F. What is to be done when there is a conflict between two different "truths" concerning claims that are semantic, systemic, logical or empirical? Does the outcome of the conflict determine what the truth is?

G. What does determine whether or not an empirical claim is true or not true?  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.  Which theory do you hold to use to resolve conflicts in truth for empirical claims?

***************************************************

I suggest that you create your assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor or by email with the text inside the email message window. DO NOT send attachments .

***************************************************

top

=============================================================================

Written Assignment for MODULE 5   The Mind-Body Problem and Freedom and Determinism Problem

You must write and submit an assignment on EACH of the two Problems-parts A and B. Base your answer on research, class readings, class notes and your own reflections.

5 A .  THE MIND BODY PROBLEM

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

What is the Mind Body Problem?  Why is it a problem?  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.

2. Critical Thinking

Dialectical thinking

• a. Take a position on this question or issue
• Adopt a metaphysical position on the nature of the relationship between the mind and body-one of the twelve listed below.
• State what a body is according to that position.
• State what a mind is according to that position.
• b.  Provide the reasons why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions
• c.  State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending
• d.  State the criticisms of your position
• e.   Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- how do you defend your position in light of those criticisms

There are twelve possible metaphysical positions listed below. Do NOT explain all of them. Adopt ONE of them and defend it!  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.

I. Dualism

• 1. Causal Interaction
• . Parallelism
  • 2.Pre-established Harmony
  • 3.Occassionalism
• 4. Epiphenomenalism
• 5. Dual Aspect

II. Monism

• 7. Radical Behaviorism
• 8. Logical Behaviorism
• 9. Identity
• 10. Eliminative Materialism
• 11. Structuralism
• 12 . Functionalism

*******************************************************************

5 B. FREEDOM and DETERMINISM PROBLEM

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

A. Describe the theories and describe them in some detail.  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.   Explain each one.  Do not simply list them.  Describe them and explain them. This will take more than one sentence for each one.

• DETERMINISM
• LIBERTARIANISM
• COMPATIBILISM

2. Critical Thinking

Dialectical thinking

• a. Take a position on this question or issue  Do Humans have free will, if so, how free is it? Are all human actions determined, if so how so? to what degree? Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.  Which of these three theories do you think is most accurate in describing the human condition and why do you think so?   Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.
• b.  Provide the reasons why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions
• c.  State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending
• d.  State the criticisms of your position
• e.   Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- how do you defend your position in light of those criticisms

***************************************************

I suggest that you create your assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor or by email with the text inside the email message window. DO NOT send attachments .

***************************************************

top

=============================================================================

Written Assignment for MODULE 6 Ethics

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

A. List at least three things that are wrong with or problems with each of these theories:

1. EGOISM
2. UTILITARIANISM
3. CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE
4. NATURAL LAW
5. THEORY OF JUSTICE AS FAIRNESS-MAXI MIN
6. WILL TO POWER - Existentialist Theory of Nietzsche
7. CARING- One of several Feminist Theories of Ethics
8. NORMATIVE ETHICAL RELATIVISM

top

=============================================================================

Written Assignment for MODULE 7 Social and Political Philosophy

LEGITIMACY OF THE STATE AND GOVERNMENT

1. Reading Comprehension- from the readings-online and printed texts

Answer each of the following five parts

A. What are the three things that need to be legitimized for government to proceed? Explain each.

B. List and describe these theories that legitimize government?

• Divine Right
• Might Makes Right
• Social Contract
• Utilitarian
• Libertarian
• Justice

C. How does Hobbes’ theory of government and its purpose differ from Rousseau's theory? Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer.

D.  What legitimizes the existence of the state (their theory of the state) for each of the following?

• PLATO
• HOBBES
• LOCKE
• MILL
• RAWLS
• MARX
• HOSPERS

E. How would they resolve the tension between public interest and individual interest?

• PLATO
• HOBBES
• LOCKE
• MILL
• RAWLS
• MARX
• HOSPERS