Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Students completing this course should be able to:Recognize and evaluate the philosophical assumptions embedded in one’s own ideas and the ideas that permeate our culture in order to criticallyassess the truth and validity of arguments from diverse sources.Identify and reflect on philosophical arguments from the history of philosophy in order to effectively communicate with others that might have divergent points of view.Recognize and reflect on the interconnectedness and the historical development of philosophical ideas in order to be conscious of the role philosophical ideas play in one’s own culture and the cultures of others.Additional Honors Outcomes:Analyze philosophical arguments in light of original context and historical responses, along withconsideration of contemporary concernsProduce and present an original philosophical argument in response to a primary text, using methods of philosophical inquiry and research and explaining the reasoning used Lead or co?lead discussion on a focused philosophical topic

Assessment strategies will include some of the following:· Essays in the form of in-class exams, short papers, or term papers.· Student presentations.· Class and small group discussions.· Portfolios.· Service learning projects.· Attendance.

Themes, Concepts, IssuesThe course will focus on the following topics and issues with a primary focus on the Western philosophical tradition:· Metaphysics.· Epistemology.· What is a philosophical question?· How have some historically significant philosophers (including, but not limited toSocrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Leibnitz, Spinoza, Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume,Kant, Russell, Wittgenstein) responded to philosophical questions?· Epistemological and metaphysical issues that are raised in other areas of philosophy(e. g., ethics, philosophy of religion, aesthetics, philosophy of science, etc.)Additional Honors topics and themes:Methods of philosophical inquiry and researchCompetencies and Skills: Students will learn to:· Comprehend philosophical writings.· Paraphrase, illustrate, and explain ideas contained in philosophical writings.· Critique and challenge philosophical ideas.· Write philosophically coherent arguments.Additional Honors Competencies and Skills:Engage with others in understanding and presenting philosophical ideas and historical responsesto those ideasParticipating actively in philosophical discussion, contributing and providing support for originalphilosophical insightsFacilitating large or small group discussion of interpretations of philosophical ideasFormulating philosophical arguments which reflect understanding of significant philosophicalissues