FROM THE COURSE CATALOG

Metaphysics and epistemology are the two core pursuits of theoretical philosophy (as opposed to practical philosophy, the focus of Philosophy 101). Metaphysics is concerned with the ultimate character of reality. The metaphysician seeks to develop knowledge (as opposed to mere opinion or belief) of all things natural, human, and divine. She asks, for example: Are we free, or are our acts determined? Is there a God? If so, what must God be like? Epistemology is concerned with how we determine the difference between knowledge and mere opinion. The epistemologist thus asks: What does it mean truly to know something? How can we acquire such genuine knowledge? Answers to these epistemological questions are essential if we are to have any confidence in the methods and results of our metaphysical investigations. This course will emphasize the established historical classics that provide the basis for understanding contemporary work on metaphysics and epistemological issues.

This is a writing intensive course.

REQUIRED TEXTS (Available at Water Street Books)

Berkeley, G. (1979). Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous (R. Adams, ed.). Indianapolis: Hackett. (Original work published 1787)

Braitenberg, V. (1984). Vehicles. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Descartes, R. (1993). Meditations on First Philosophy (D. Cress, trans.). Indianapolis: Hackett. (Original work published 1641)

Hume, D. (1987). An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding (E. Steinberg, ed.). Indianapolis: Hackett. (Original work published 1748)

Hume, D. (1998) Dialogues on Natural Religion (R. Popkin, ed.). Indianapolis: Hackett. (Original work published 1777)

Kant, I. (1997) Critique of Pure Reason (P. Guyer and A. Wood, eds. and trans.). Cambridge: Cambridge UP. (Original work published 1787)

Russell, B. (1997) The Problems of Philosophy. New York: Oxford University Press. (Original work published in 1912)

Note on editions: I have selected editions that, in my view, strike an appropriate balance between scholarly usefulness and expense. If you do not already have copies of these texts, it would be best for you to acquire the above versions. On the other hand, if you already have some of these works, feel welcome to use the edition that you have. In class discussion we will work around differences in pagination amd translation.

Supplemental material for the course will be distributed in class.

GRADING

Grading on all writing assignments will be anonymous. Please turn in your papers with only your Williams ID number on it in some unobtrusive place.

Anonymous grading is one way of assuring that the collegiality of our interactions does not cloud my assessment of your work. Grading blindly is not a perfect mechanism for this purpose. One crucial disadvantage to anonymous grading is that the instructor will not know when your work is systematically inadequate and will not approach you with concerns about your writing. As a result, there is an additional burden of maturity and responsibility on your shoulders. You must elect to visit office hours, to discuss your work with the teaching assistant, and to seek out informal opportunities to improve your writing.

The desire to preserve the integrity of the anonymous grading system should never prevent you from seeking advice on assignments for this course. You are encouraged to speak with me with your work in hand. Naturally this will reveal facts of authorship, and may give the instructor some insight into your style and interests. Still, your success in meeting the challenges of this course should always be our first concern.

1. Essay assignments

For this course you will write FOUR essays, 5-6 pages each (7 maximum, strictly enforced).

The point of these assignments is to have you present a well developed and carefully argued thesis on topics we have covered. THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM MERELY GIVING YOUR OPINION OR CONFESSING YOUR EXPERIENCES. You must give reasons for why the reader should agree with you.

I have prepared an on-line writing tutor for introductory philosophical essays. Please put aside a couple of hours to go through it fairly early in the semester.

Essays should be typewritten, double spaced in a 12 point font with 1 inch margins. No title page. Writing assignments should be turned in by the beginning of class on the dates they are due. You may turn in your assignments in advance. Late papers will not be accepted.

Written work must reflect original thoughts and ideas.

The essays for this course are not research papers. You will not be expected to consult outside sources for your work. Any direct quotations or paraphrased material from outside sources must be credited and footnoted. Violation of this constitutes plagiarism.

If you have questions about how the honor code applies to written work, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Each paper is worth 22.5% of your final grade.

2. Participation

Discussion is essential to the vitality of the class, and is a crucial component of philosophical engagement. Thoughtful participation in class discussion is also one indicator that you are reading carefully. Thus, the instructor reserves the privilege of treating participation as constituting 10% of the final grade.

Many students are concerned with this aspect of the classroom dynamic, but it should not be a source of anxiety. Keep in mind that your first priority is reading the assignments carefully and working diligently on the writing for the course. Thoughtful, honest, and respectful participation derives from these. Every effort will be made to ensure that the class is a welcoming forum for sharing serious ideas. In addition, 'participation' is more inclusive than many students realize. Being attentive and engaged in class, asking clarificatory questions, and discussing aspects of the course with the instructor during office hours all fall under this heading.

CLASS RESOURCES

Office Hours - The instructor is available for office meetings each week in Harper House 9. Students may visit individually or in groups. You do not need to have a specific assignment or difficulty in mind in order to come to my office. Wide-ranging conversations about the class, about philosophy, or about intellectual inquiry at Williams are very welcome. By appointment, or during the following open-door times:

Mondays	4pm-5:30pm
Tuesdays	1pm-3pm
Thursdays	1pm-3pm

Philosophy Table - The instructor will meet informally with students over lunch in the Dodd House Dining Hall after class to discuss issues in philosophy. These may be topics that arise in seminar, but need not be. We may occasionally be joined by other Williams faculty, and you are welcome to invite friends who are not in the class.

Teaching Assistant - Sarah Louise Smith will be available to talk informally about the readings, the class discussion, and the paper assignments. Please email her for meeting times.

Philosophy Study Hall in Schow - Several nights before each major essay is due the instructor and teaching assistant will meet to talk about paper ideas and to discuss philosophy. These OPTIONAL sessions will typically go from 9pm to about midnight. Feel welcome to bring your notes, books, and laptop.

Instant Messaging - The instructor will occassionally be available via AIM. You may check anytime, but especially from 11pm to1am on Sunday through Thursday nights. My screen name is professorjcruz.

Students with disabilities who may need disability-related classroom accommodations for this course are encouraged to set up an appointment to meet with me as soon as possible and to contact the Dean's Office (at extension 4262) to better insure that accommodations are provided in a timely manner.

SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS

All readings are to be done in advance of the class meeting. Background material and central readings are required, and you are responsible for both. We will concentrate class time on the central readings.