OhioLINK History of Philosophy Website
8:50-9:40 MWF
Fall 1997
Professor Deborah Smith
320-K Bowman Hall
Office Hours: Mon. 9:50-10:50
and by appointment.
There will also be some required photocopied readings available on reserve in the library.
In this course we will examine some of the main works of the British empiricists Locke, Berkeley and Hume (as well as some of the writings of contemporary commentators) with an eye toward answering the questions: (i) is there really a fairly determinate range of philosophical theories which are identifiable as empiricist theories? and, assuming an affirmative answer to this question, (ii) what are the basic metaphysical and epistemological commitments of an empiricist theory? We will also examine some of the philosophical motivations for adopting an empiricist view (especially those involving a criticism of the rationalism of Descartes and Leibniz) and the philosophical problems associated with empiricism (especially the problem of our knowledge of the external world and other minds). Other relevant issues covered will include: the ground of our universal terms, the nature of substance, the nature of mind, the role and nature of a priori knowledge, the distinction between primary and secondary qualities, and the distinction between appearance and reality.
There is a fair amount of reading assigned for this class. You are expected to complete all of the assigned reading in a timely fashion and bring the relevant reading materials to class with you. It is a good idea to read the material more than once and to take notes on the reading as you do so. In addition to the required readings, I will be placing on reserve in the library several works which may also be of interest to you as you write your term papers and prepare for the final.
This is a writing intensive course. There will be three term papers of approximately 5 to 10 pages in length. Due dates for each are listed in the syllabus. For at least the second term paper, you will be required to turn in a very polished draft for comments before writing the final, graded version of the paper. There will also be approximately six shorter assignments to help you prepare for the longer term papers. These will be announced in class. In addition to the writing assignments, there will also be a comprehensive final exam.
Each of the term papers will be worth 30 points (90 points total) Each of the shorter assignments will be worth 10 points (60 points total) The final exam will be worth 100 points
Your final grade will be based on the curve determined by the 250 points possible in this course with some consideration given to regular, insightful class participation and improvement in the quality of written work. You must turn in all three of the term papers, take the final, and receive at least half of the points possible in the course to earn a passing grade of a D or better.
The Philosophy Department Grievance Procedure for handling student grievances is in conformity with the Student Academic Complaint Policy and Procedures set down as University Policy 3342-16 in the University Policy Register. For information concerning the details of the grievance procedure, please see the departmental chairperson.
In accordance with University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the office of Student Disability Services (SDS) in the Michael Schwartz Student Services Center (672-3391).
(This schedule is tentative. You are responsible for knowing about any changes announced in class.)
This page is part of the OhioLINK History of Philosophy Instructional Website designed and developed by the Department of Philosophy at Kent State University. We are interested in any comments you may have concerning this syllabus. Send e-mail to the KSU Department of Philosophy Instructional Website Team or directly to Professor Deborah Smith, who designed this syllabus.
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Fall 1997.
KSU Department of Philosophy