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Philosophy 251: Introduction to Philosophy - Course Guide & Misconceptions

Get a syllabus, textbook, and meet your instructors for Philosophy 251 at Texas A&M University. Learn how philosophy differs from religion, science, and law. Understand the pursuit of wisdom and critical thinking. Improve your argumentative and logical skills.

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Philosophy 251: Introduction to Philosophy - Course Guide & Misconceptions

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  1. Philosophy 251:Introduction to PhilosophyDr. Stephen H. Daniel Get a syllabus before or after class Get a textbook Locate your graduate instructor Ty Camp: sections 502, 503, 508 Benjamin Craig: sections 504, 505, 507 Michael Long: sections 501, 506, 509

  2. To Do Well in the Course Read the textbook before class Make an outline that combines notes from your readings and class notes Website: http://philosophy.tamu.edu/ ~sdaniel/251sy07c.html Visit the instructor and TAs during office hours or call or email us

  3. Misconceptions of Philosophy Philosophy deals only with abstractions; it is not concrete or practical Philosophy is just a game arguing about words Philosophy is only an expression of personal opinions

  4. How Philosophy Differs From Religion, Science, and Law • Philosophy challenges believers to explain and defend claims of religious truth • Philosophy questions the assumptions and procedures of science • Philosophy does not merely accept social beliefs or laws; it asks how they are justified

  5. Philosophy: the Pursuit of Wisdom Born of wonder: Why are we here? Does God exist? Why is there evil? Do plants have feelings? What is happiness? Aim: to clarify ideas and evaluate the reasons given to justify beliefs: What do you mean? How do you know?

  6. A Little Logic A philosophical argument aims to provide reasons (premises) that make a conclusion probable or necessary A sound argument is deductive and valid (the conclusion follows necessarily) and its premises are true Beware of prejudicial reasoning and criticizing arguments because of who defends them

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