IJC 302 Philosophy

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the discipline of philosophy, especially in the Western tradition. For comparison purposes, students also explore philosophical issues from traditional Islamic perspectives. Students develop introductory knowledge of various schools of thought in the discipline through lectures, independent research projects, interactive learning activities, and drawing from historical and contemporary written and multimedia resources. Topics include epistemology or theory of knowledge, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, metaphysics, morality, value theory, the nature of truth, freedom and determinism, right and wrong, and the existence of God, among others. Students explore traditional philosophical systems (primarily Western, but also Islamic) with emphasis on how these systems approach and attempt to solve the problems confronting humans today. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. construct, defend, justify, evaluate, critique and explain philosophical arguments in their own words, using language appropriate to the field. 
2. present solid and creative interpretations (individually and in collaboration with their peers) of complex philosophical concepts, problems, viewpoints, and positions clearly and succinctly (in written and oral forms) to specialist and lay audiences. 
3. discuss philosophical questions, perspectives, and viewpoints from Islamic and Western perspectives constructively and respectfully with others.
4. demonstrate sufficient understanding of key philosophical terms and main ideas of various schools of thought (e.g., ontology, epistemology, aesthetics, ethics, rationalism, empiricism, idealism, monism, dualism, pluralism, a priori, a posteriori, phenomenal world, noumenal world, etc.).
5. ​​apply relevant Islamic philosophical theories to contemporary and historical problems. 
6. explain the historical, religious, and socio-political factors that have influenced and shaped particular philosophical viewpoints. 
7. demonstrate skills in library research and building a bibliography, and use standard conventions of style for scholarly writing.
8. critically evaluate fallacies, biases, weaknesses and strengths in their and others’ approaches to ideas, interpretations, understanding, and application of philosophical perspectives, and assess their learning needs. 
9. develop organized and informative verbal presentations directed to appropriate audience levels.
10. develop, articulate, and motivate views on philosophical topics from traditional and modern Islamic perspectives. 

PREREQUISTIES

None