OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

PHIL 1213       Philosophies of Life

Spring 2004        Professor John Shook

Course Description    This course introduces students to major world views about human nature. Religious, philosophical, and scientific examples of theories of human nature will be discussed and compared.

Course Objectives       Students will learn why the search for a common "human nature" has been pursued by all cultures and all types of intellectual systems. The most fundamental questions about our relationships with the divine, nature, and each other are deeply connected to visions of human nature and its possibilities and limitations. Students will explore and question the many philosophies of life, moralities, and religions that are based upon theories of human nature. Students will be learn how to be sensitive to others’ perspectives and to be valued participants in group discussions of religious, moral, and social questions. Key skills of careful reading, critical analysis, and evaluative comparison will be developed. Students will prepare for essay examinations, and analytical and argumentative papers, that test these skills.

Required Texts

        Stevenson and Haberman, Ten Theories of Human Nature (Oxford)
        Miller, God and Reason, 2nd ed. (Prentice Hall)
        Campbell, Myths to Live By (Penguin)

Requirements                Your grade will be based on three exams, two papers, and participation in class.

Final Grade                    800-720 = A     719-640 = B     639-560 = C     559-480 = D     479-0 = F

Regulations                    Attendance will be recorded for nearly every class. Poor attendance will naturally cause you to receive a poor participation grade. A cell phone disturbance will subtract 20 points from participation. Plagiarism, cheating, or any other academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be punished to the appropriate extent. In accordance with Academic Regulation 6.2, an incomplete grade will be available only if (a) you have completed a majority of the course requirements with a grade of D or better, and (b) unavoidable circumstances (a serious medical condition, family emergency, etc.) prevent you from completing the requirements by the end of the semester. This course will not offer any opportunity for “extra credit” or re-taking tests.

Disability Accommodations     In compliance with Oklahoma State University policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that you may require as a student with a disability. Students must register with the Student Disability Services office (Michael Shuttic, 326 Student Union, 744-7116) for disability verification, determination of reasonable academic accommodation, and to get information about specific policies and procedures surrounding academic adjustments at OSU. I will gladly comply with those accommodations which are recommended for you by the Student Disability Services.

Office Hours          T-Th 1-3pm; and by appointment. Location: 206 Hanner Hall. Phone: 744-9231. Messages and materials can be placed in my mailbox across the hall from my office. My webpage, which has links to course syllabi, is at http://philosophy.okstate.edu/shook.htm

PHIL 1213     Philosophies of Life

Dates of tests and paper deadlines are subject to change if necessary.  
You will be given reasonable advance notice if there is a re-scheduling.