Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 100-L01) Course Syllabus Winter 2024

Luther College is a federated college at the University of Regina. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition,
Luther College is committed to personalized education in a community of scholars who value excellent
teaching and engaged learning. Luther courses are student-centred and open to students from all
faculties and federated colleges at the University of Regina.
Luther College respectfully acknowledges that it is situated on Treaty Four lands and also the home of
the Métis people. Our College considers this shared history to be especially significant as we seek truth
and reconciliation. We are reminded that we are all treaty people and are aware of the responsibility we
have to one another.

Course Number: PHIL 100-L01 (CRN 12385)

Course Title: Introduction to Philosophy
Term/Year: Winter 2024
Times and Locations: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 am – 10:20 am
Luther College Room 211 (LC211)
Note this course is taught in-person and regular attendance
during the scheduled class time is expected.
Pre-Requisites/Co-Requisites: None for this course.

Instructor Name and Title: Dr. Roger Petry

Office Location: Luther College Room 224 (LC224); Office hours also offered
via zoom (see below; if I am not in my office connect via zoom)
Email: Use UR Courses email (I try to reply within 24 hours on
weekdays). Only use my work email (roger.petry@uregina.ca)
if UR Courses email is not working (put “PHIL 100” in subject
line of e-mail)
Phone Number: 306-585-5295 (leave message with return phone number for
me to call if I am not in)
Dedicated Office Hours for Class: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 am to 11:20 pm or by
appointment
See zoom link for office hours in uppermost section of UR
Courses

Note: If for some reason I am unavailable to attend a lecture in person, I will notify students via
UR Courses and normally record the lecture and post the recording in UR Courses.

Any student with a disability who may need accommodations should discuss these with the
course instructor as soon as possible and contact the Centre for Student Accessibility and
Accommodations Test Centre.
Course Description:

Philosophy seeks to satisfy our intellectual curiosity about enduring questions: what we can
know, what is meaningful, how should we live our lives—all dimensions of the traditional
search for wisdom. This course will explore questions concerning knowledge and truth, mind
and body, personal identity, free will, morality, politics, and the existence of God. Students will
also be introduced to various areas of philosophy including metaphysics, critical thinking,
epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and philosophy of religion.

Instructor’s Bio:

See: https://www.luthercollege.edu/university/academics/faculty-profiles/roger-petry

Learning Objectives and/or Outcomes:

Students in the Introduction to Philosophy class will achieve the following learning objectives:

 To understand and appreciate philosophy as a discipline of study, the kinds of

questions explored in its various sub-disciplines, and interrelationships between them.

 To learn important concepts employed in the study of philosophy.

 To identify, analyse, and comment upon key arguments and positions found in
important writings of Western and Eastern philosophers in diverse areas of philosophy
(including metaphysics, critical thinking, epistemology, ethics, political philosophy, and
philosophy of religion) while exploring their contemporary relevance.

 To formulate one's own views on enduring questions of philosophy explored in

class and to learn how to provide structured support for these views employing
philosophical conceptual tools and patterns of argument while avoiding common errors
in reasoning.

 To explore how the study of philosophy relates to the question of what counts as
wisdom, to evaluate competing accounts of wisdom presented by the philosophers
studied, and to explore the relationship of these competing accounts to possible
understandings of a life well lived.

Students will acquire this knowledge and develop these skills through in-class discussions and
activities in small and large groups, assignments, reading of selected texts, one test on select
materials studied during the course, and an essay assignment.

Meta-skills and/or Capabilities:

In addition to important contributions to one's personal development and life fulfillment,

philosophy develops skills and abilities readily transferred to other academic disciplines, one's
chosen profession or field of work, and community responsibilities. In this course specific
capabilities you will develop include:

 Independent thinking: students will develop intellectual habits preventing the passive
acceptance of beliefs in various life settings (as students, employers/employees, and
citizens) and how to guard against faulty methods of persuasion employed against the
unwary

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Luther College
  Critical reasoning skills and self-awareness: students will learn how to identify,
analyze, criticize, and construct various types of arguments while further developing
and supporting their own views on important life questions

 Effective listening and communication skills: students will learn attention to detail in
drawing out key arguments and insights from written texts and in-class discussions
while learning how to clearly, systematically, and convincingly communicate their own
ideas

 Organizing and unifying one's ideas: students will be able to organize, integrate, and
synthesize information and ideas from a wide range of sources (including their other
university courses) while applying these ideas and diverse approaches to scholarly
problems and general life questions

 Tolerance of complexity and ambiguity: Students will learn to appreciate the various
dimensions of philosophical questions, both tolerating and enjoying the ability to reflect
on complex, high level issues often characterized by uncertainty

 Successful transitioning to professional employment: the skills developed within

philosophy provide proven success on professional exams (for example, the GRE,
GMAT, & LSAT) and for admission to medical school; see “why study philosophy” at
https://sites.google.com/site/whystudyphilosophy/

 Development as a Global Citizen: One's own personal engagement with deeper and
enduring life questions plays an important part in shaping key life decisions and
mobilizing communities to engage in important courses of action that are meaningful
and likely to succeed.

Delivery Mode and use of Zoom and/or UR Courses:

The course will regularly be taught in-person in Luther College Room 211 (LC
211). The argument assignment and final exam will also be conducted in-person
and hand-written on the scheduled date (see below); the argument assignment will be in
LC 211 and final exam in the assigned room (this room will be made available to
students once it is known).

Students in this class are automatically registered in the UR Courses website for this
class. (visit https://UR Courses.uregina.ca/) There is a comprehensive UR Courses
Student Guide available online. To log in you have to have a username and password
which is available at information services (https://www.uregina.ca/is/); click on the “Find
Username and Password” under Quicklinks. Once logged in you will be able to:
 Follow links to online work and test review materials.
 Check your grades for the main components of the course.
 Get access to powerpoint slides, and other learning supports provided by the
instructor including readings, other articles and links to websites, etc.
 Email the instructor. (These emails reside only within the course itself; note UR
Courses email and forums are for course-related discussion only.)
 View the News Forum which is mainly to receive class announcements from the
instructor. (These announcements will be automatically forwarded to your real
uregina email account.)
 View and submit assignments

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Luther College
 Once logged in to UR Courses consult the Student Guide at the UR Courses Student
Page for how to use this online system. UR Courses email and forums are for course-
related discussion only.

Required Readings or Texts:

Robert M. Martin, For the Sake of Argument: How to Do Philosophy (Peterborough, Ont:
Broadview Press, 2017). This short text is extensively supplemented by Open Access
philosophy readings made available in URCourses including works by Plato, Aristotle,
Confucius, Anselm, Francis Bacon, Descartes, and David Hume. These are required readings.
The Robert Martin textbook is available through the University of Regina Bookstore (it should
be under $20).

Class Schedule
Student enjoyment and learning in the course is greatly increased by having read assigned
readings prior to the class and bringing the appropriate readings to class. The following
provides a tentative list of topics and readings that will be explored in class. Excerpts of the
readings from specific philosophers will be placed on UR Courses while specific portions of the
Robert Martin textbook will be periodically assigned as they relate to specific topics being
covered. Students should read the various readings as they are assigned to be prepared for
discussing these texts in class. Following this list of readings is a list of important dates.
· What is Philosophy?
· Critical thinking and logic
· Plato, Apology
· Middle East Religions and Inspiration (selected readings from Hebrew and Christian
Scriptures, Philo of Alexandria, St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, Ibn al-‘Arabi)
· David Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
· Confucius, The Sayings of Confucius
· Framing ethical arguments & elements of an ethical toolkit
· David Hume, An Inquiry Concerning the Principle of Morals
· Aristotle, Metaphysics
· Francis Bacon, New Atlantis
· Physicalism and objectivity
· First Nations' Accounts of wisdom, The 7 Sacred Teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman
· Sustainable Development and wisdom
· Rene Descarte, Meditations on First Philosophy

Important Dates:
Tuesday, January 9 First Day of This Class
Tuesday, January 23 Argument Assignment Discussed
Tuesday, February 13 In-class Argument Assignment
February 19 to 23 No Classes: University Closed for Winter Break
Tuesday, February 27 Library Presentation; Bibliography Assignment Assigned
Friday, March 1 Argumentative Essay Assigned
Tuesday, March 5 Bibliography Assignment Due
Tuesday, March 12 Summary of Thesis & Essay Main Arguments Due
Friday, March 29 No Class (Good Friday)
Thursday, April 4 Argumentative Essay Due
Friday, April 12 Last Day of this Class

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Luther College
Tuesday, April 16 Final Exam (9:00 am)

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Luther College
 Evaluation Components and Due Dates

Evaluation Component Grade Weight Due Date

Attendance/in-class activities/small 15% In class or as assigned
assignments
Argument Assignment (done in class) 20% Tuesday, February 13
Bibliography Assignment 5% Tuesday, March 5
Summary of Thesis/Args. for Essay 10% Tuesday, March 12
Argumentative Essay 25% Thursday, April 4
Final Exam 25% Tues., April 16 (9:00 am)
Total 100%

Professional Conduct & Policies

Accessibility:

Accessibility:

The University of Regina wishes to support all students in achieving academic success while
enjoying a full and rewarding university experience. The Centre for Student Accessibility
upholds the University's commitment to a diverse and inclusive learning environment by
providing services and support to enable students with disabilities, health conditions, illnesses,
and injuries to approach their studies in an equal and effective manner. Students who need
these services are encouraged to register with the Centre for Student Accessibility to discuss
the possibility of academic accommodations and other supports as early as possible. The
deadline to register and/or request accommodation letters for instructors coincides with the W
drop deadline(s) for courses each semester. To register with the Centre for Student
Accessibility, please book an appointment with an Accessibility Advisor by calling 306-585-
4491 or emailing student.success@uregina.ca. For further information on what is required to
register and receive academic accommodations, please explore the website: Centre for
Student Accessibility | UR Accommodated, University of Regina (uregina.ca)

Academic Honesty:

Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct undermine academic integrity
and face penalties as outlined in the “Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal” Section
of the 2023-2024 University of Regina Calendar (see
https://www.uregina.ca/student/registrar/resources-for-students/academic-calendars-and-
schedule/undergraduate-calendar/sections.html). Note the definitions of plagiarism and
cheating are outlined in this same section of the Calendar. If you have any questions about the
proper methods of citing sources, the extent to which sources (including internet resources)
must be cited, or what might constitute plagiarism, please discuss your questions with your
instructor before handing in work! Turnitin may be used on assignments to check for
plagiarism. Assignments for written work will outline the expected citation-style; also attend
the library presentation (see above) for further technical help in writing your
argumentative essay. Students are expected to do their own work on all assignments and
exams. Submitting the same assignment in two different classes is considered academic
misconduct.

Think deeply. Act passionately. Live faithfully.

Luther College
Because students are expected to complete assignments, tests, and other academic
evaluations using their own knowledge and abilities, students are prohibited from using
generative artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT on any assignments, essays,
class activities, or tests in this course. Students are expected to complete all course work
without substantial assistance from others, including automated tools. If you are in doubt as to
whether or not a particular tool may be permitted, consult the instructor before using it.
Unauthorized use of generative AI is considered a breach of academic integrity. Any suspected
cases of academic misconduct will be shared with the Assistant Dean of Luther College for a
formal investigation.

Exams and Late Submission Policy:

The penalty for late assignments will be 3% of the grade for the assignment per day. An exam
on a date other than the scheduled date will only be allowed for legitimate absences (for
example, illness). All students must submit the assigned essay and write the final exam
(these are essential to pass the course).

Attendance Policy:

As part of a community of scholars, students are expected to attend zoom classes regularly
and to be present on exam dates. Attendance will be taken periodically during regular class
time or discerned through completion of in-class feedback exercises/activities. Students will
find the UR Courses website useful in keeping up with the course in the event of illness.
Completion of assignments and regular attendance is important for student success in this
course. Student enjoyment and learning in the course is greatly increased by having read
assigned readings prior to the class when they will be discussed (these will be posted along
with general discussion questions we will examine in class). Students who are persistently
absent or who neglect academic work may be subject to disciplinary action and may be
excluded from writing the final examination.

Use of Electronic Devices (e.g. Cell Phones) and Social Media Policy:

Students may use laptops/tablets during class for accessing readings, note taking and other
activities related to the study of topics under discussion. Other uses, including use of cell
phones, should be of an exceptional nature and should not distract fellow students. Electronic
devices cannot be used during in-person examinations except where special permission has
been granted by the instructor to meet a special needs accommodation. Evidence of possible
use of other materials that have not been approved will also be subject to appropriate
penalties for cheating (see “Academic Honesty” above).

Other Policies:

Recordings

You are not permitted to produce audio or video recordings of course activities without first
obtaining the instructor’s explicit permission, or for the purposes of meeting an
accommodation documented with the University of Regina’s Center for Student Accessibility.
Recordings, if permitted, are only for personal study purposes of the student granted
permission and must follow University of Regina Policy in this regard:
https://www.uregina.ca/gradstudies/current-students/grad-calendar/policy-univ.html#audio

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Luther College
Respectful Participation

Other students will have diverse opinions differing from your own. While philosophy
encourages disagreement, all disagreements should be expressed with respect for the other’s
point of view. Racist, sexist, ableist, and classist comments will not be tolerated nor will
remarks that are offensive or derogatory towards Indigenous Peoples and LGBTQ2S+
peoples. Students should not be disruptive, offensive, or disrespectful.

Luther Course Announcements and Further Information

A list of Luther Course Announcements that inform students of important dates applicable to
all courses is posted on URCourses as well as a Luther College Safety Guide. In addition,
information for students from our Luther College librarian will also be posted. Lastly a Luther
College “mental health toolkit” is posted that provides useful tips for reducing stress and
staying well during the semester. You can also visit the student wellness centre website:
https://www.uregina.ca/wellness-centre/

Think deeply. Act passionately. Live faithfully.

Luther College