“Philosophy” comes from the Greek word meaning “love of wisdom.”  It is an area of study which uses the tools of logic and reason to analyze the ways in which humans experience the world. Different areas of philosophy are distinguished by the questions they ask.  Do our senses accurately describe reality?  What makes wrong actions wrong?  How should we live? What does it mean to have a good life?

This course will seek to introduce students to the major ideas and biggest thinkers in philosophy and to help them to consider the basis for ethical theory. Some of the figures we will consider include: Plato, Karl Marx, Thomas Aquinas, Confucius, Immanuel Kant, etc. We will try to highlight a new individual or idea each week. We’ll also spend time discussing the philosophical schools of thought such as Stoicism, Existentialism, and others. In addition to our textbook, we will utilize various videos, podcasts, and primary sources to breakdown and increase our understanding of these people and ideas.

 Note: As we discuss complex and challenging issues, the classroom will remain a safe space for learning and exploring for all students. Students will be expected to remain respectful to peers at all times while engaging in lively discussion and debate.

Required materials: The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped Our World, New Edition by R.C. Sproul.

Homework:  Weekly readings and assignments totaling about 1.5 hours