PHIL 8 - Methods of Argument

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Prerequisite

ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 51.00 Contact hours/102.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is a study of argumentative writing, including traditional topics in logic. The course will emphasize the application of argumentative methods and models to the analysis of contemporary moral, political, economic, and philosophical issues.

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

1. Analyze an argument in terms of traditional logic (definitions, assumptions, premises and conclusion, deduction and induction, and formal and informal fallacies).
2. Identify the difference between subjective and objective claims; belief and knowledge.
3. Apply appropriate standards to the evaluation of judgments of value.
4. Evaluate assumptions, evidence, testimony, and statistics as they are used in argumentative writing.
5. Write an essay that demonstrates the use of generally accepted standards of good argumentation in the identification and use of sources, evidence, and reasons.
6. Articulate viewpoints found in diverse cultural, political, gender, scientific, philosophical, and religious contexts.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

1. Discussion
2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
3. Lecture
4. Multimedia Presentations
5. Reading Assignments
6. Writing (minimum 6000 word writing requirement)

1. Exams/Tests
2. Quizzes
3. Portfolios
4. Papers
5. Homework
6. Class participation

Reading Assignments

1. Read "Those Who Walk Away From Omelas" and be prepared to formulate and discuss the implied argument it contains against Jeremy Bentham's form of utilitarianism.
2. Read the chapter on argument types and fallacies and be prepared to pick out arguments from a group of passages.

Writing Assignments

1. Read "The Apology" by Plato and be prepared in a short essay of at least 500 words to evaluate Socrates' claim that "the unexamined life is not worth living."
2. In a substantive discussion post of at least 300 words, express in your own words and evaluate Paulo Freire's argument against what he calls "the nutritional they of knowledge."

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. For a week, obey the "moral law" as Immanuel Kant describes it. Keep a reflective journal, and be prepared to discuss the argument Kant makes in support of the "categorical imperative."
2. Over the course of several weeks, determine which small habit needs to be added or eliminated for you to flourish as Aristotle describes in his essay on happiness. Keep a self-reflective journal and be prepared thoughtfully to consider Aristotle's argument that true happiness is objective.

Barnet, S., Bedau, H. (2023). Current Issues and Enduring Questions. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 13th. 9781319332068.

Moore, B. N., & Parker, R. (2021). Critical Thinking. McGraw-Hill, 13th. 9781319332068.

D. Hacker, D. (2017). A Writer's Reference. Bedford + Martin, 9th.

Philosophy (Masters Required)