1. Course Description
Introduction to Philosophy: Honors
Philosophy Statement: The primary goal of this course is to act as an inoculation for our more
intellectually gifted students by presenting them with the controversies and difficulties raised by
philosophers in the past, yet doing so in a Christian environment. When our students work through the
difficult problems raised by their philosophical pursuits, they will be in an environment that affirms the
primacy of faith over reason, and of Christ over all.
Course Objective: The students will have a clear understanding of common philosophical positions on
various subjects and will be able to critique the positions according to their Truth content and internal
consistency. They will also be able to express and refine their own positions on various topics, and defend
them in a logical, consistent way.
Textbooks:
- Western Philosophy: An Anthology edited by John Cottingham
Materials:
- Student notebook for class, lecture notes
- Folder for weekly journal assignments
- Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
Time Allotment: Average of 40 minutes per day, 5 days a week
Course Content:
Unit 1: Introduction Introduction to the Pursuit of Philosophy
Unit 2: Epistemology Philosophical Standards of Truth
Unit 3: The Self and the Mind The Essence and Nature of the Soul
Unit 4: Freedom vs. Determinism The Nature and Limits of Free Will
Unit 5: The Existence of God Proofs for God/ The Problem of Evil
Unit 6: Ethics Morality, the Good Life, and Problems in Ethics
Unit 7: Ethical Symposium Presentation and Defense of Ethical Position Papers
Unit 8: Aesthetics The Nature of Beauty and Art
Unit 9: Authority Good Government: Theory and Practice
Areas to be evaluated:
- Reading reaction papers
- Individual projects and tests
- Contemplative writing in weekly journals
- Critical/ book analysis skills
Additional Activities
- Research/ Position papers