Philosophy 100 - Introduction To Philosophy

The goals of this course are two-fold: to develop and hone students' analytical skills and to look at a number of the central issues in philosophy. Crucial to doing and understanding philosophy is an ability to present, explain, and evaluate arguments; throughout the course we will refine these abilities. By way of an introduction to a number of core philosophical issues we will take an in-depth look at one of the greatest works of philosophy of all time, Descartes's Meditations on First Philosophy. In it we will encounter skeptical arguments, arguments for the existence of God, and an argument for mind-body dualism. We will grapple with these issues in addition to questions about free will and ethics. (Gen. Ed. AL)

Open to first-year students in the Scientific Thinking RAP in Knowlton Hall. Students in Scientific Thinking RAP in Knowlton Hall will enroll together in "Introduction to Philosophy" (Philosophy 100). This course offers students an introduction to the methods of philosophy, focusing on three areas: moral obligation; the relationship between the brain and mind, and the nature of rational, justified belief. Our focus won?t be on finding the correct answers, but on critical thinking to analyze, evaluate, and create arguments.

See https://www.umass.edu/rap/scientific-thinking-rap