PHIL 001E. Introduction to Philosophy: Paradox and Rationality

People claim to know lots of things - that the Earth is round, that 2 plus 2 equals 4, that God exists. But what distinguishes genuine knowledge from mere belief? This course will examine the ways in which the use of a systematic method can help in the generation of knowledge. Using the work of Descartes as our starting point, we shall focus in particular on the interaction between philosophical and scientific methods. In the latter part of the course we shall focus on metaphysical and ethical issues connected with the concept of person, including the mind-body relation, consciousness, personal identity, and free will.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Catalog chapter: Philosophy
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/philosophy

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