PHIL 401 (01) - Introduction to Philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy

Durham   Liberal Arts :: Philosophy
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Credits: 4.0
Term: Spring 2023 - Full Term (01/24/2023 - 05/08/2023)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Class Size:   35  
CRN: 56398
This course gives a basic grounding in Philosophy. We explore enduring questions that we have all grappled with: Does God exist? Do we have free will? How can we lead fulfilling lives? No background in philosophy is needed, only an open and inquiring mind.
Registration Approval Required. Contact Instructor or Academic Department for permission then register through Webcat.
Equivalent(s): PHIL 401H, PHIL 401W
Attributes: Humanities(Disc)
Instructors: Nina Windgaetter

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/24/2023 5/8/2023 TR 2:10pm - 3:30pm HS 201
Additional Course Details: 

Special Topic: Introduction to Philosophy through Science Fiction

This course will introduce students to philosophy through science fiction. Science fiction and philosophy are deeply linked through their common use of thought experiments.  Our main goal will be to motivate and explore philosophical questions by appeal to thought experiments from short stories, television episodes, and films.

Booklist

(1) Chiang, Ted. Stories of Your Life and Others. First Vintage Books edition. New York: Tor, 2016. ISBN: 9781101972120. (2) Le Guin, Ursula K. The Birthday of the World: And Other Stories. HarperCollins Publishers, 2003. ISBN: 9780060509064.