PHIL 243 - An Introduction to Philosophy

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Description: Designed to familiarize the student with philosophy as a foundation for life, this course provides an introduction to questions in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy and the philosophy of religion. Classical and modern philosophers from Western, Asian, African and Native American traditions are presented. Critical thinking and an application of theory to contemporary issues are emphasized.

Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: None.

Course Category: Liberal Arts | Humanities
This course counts toward Schoolcraft’s General Education Requirements.
This course counts toward a Michigan Transfer Agreement General Education Requirement.

This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
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Course Competencies

Explain the roles, aims, and divisions of philosophy with a view as to how they shape life decisions and directions.
Apply a critical thinking process to the student’s positions on issues.
Evaluate the issues with which the student is confronted.
Identify some of the age- old philosophical questions and the responses of major philosophical figures to these questions.
Identify the contributions of feminist philosophy as well as the philosophies of Eastern, African and Native American cultures.
Assess the philosophical base for positions and development on a variety of personal and societal norms, values and political structures.
Explain how one’s metaphysical and epistemological framework affects the positions a person takes on a variety of life issues.
Analyze various classic philosophical views and arguments.
Relate various classic philosophical views to modern day issues.