PHIL 101.001 – Introduction to Philosophy: Central Problems, Great Minds, Big Ideas

Instructor: Aurora Yu. This course meets via remote, mostly asynchronous (RM) instruction.

This course serves as an introduction to the diverse landscape of philosophical inquiry, encompassing central problems, great minds, and big ideas from various cultural and historical contexts. Through a blend of readings, discussions, and reflective exercises, students will encounter voices from Western and non-Western traditions from Ancient Greece to the contemporary era. Furthermore, this course will highlight the philosophical perspectives of historical women philosophers who have made significant contributions to philosophical discourse.

Students will engage with fundamental questions about the creation of animals, the existence of God, the nature of knowledge, the concept of justice, and the meaning of life. By engaging with a diverse range of philosophical texts and voices, students will learn to critically evaluate arguments, articulate their philosophical positions, and grapple with the complexities of ethical, social, and existential questions.