IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS STUDIES

INSTRUCTOR: Mudassir Farooqi

TRIMESTER: Spring 2016
COURSE:
Introduction to Philosophy
TIMINGS:
11:30 am
2:00 pm
COURSE CODE:
GEDU 120
DAYS: Friday
EMAIL:
mudassirfarooqi@imperial.edu.pk

PRESCRIBED/REQUIRED TEXT BOOK:

Wolf, R.P. (1998). About Philosophy (7th ed.). NJ: Prentice Hall.
Durant, W. (27th printing). The Story of Philosophy. NY: Pocket Books

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS:
1. Fifty Major Philosophers. (A reference guide.) by Dian'e Collinson.
2. Introduction to Philosophy by William James Earle.
3. A short History of Modern Philosophy by Roger Scruton.
ELECTRONIC SOURCES:
Wikipedia
Encyclopedia Encarta
All search engines
PREREQUISITE:
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will encompass the basic concepts of philosophy. The course
will introduce students to the contributions of prominent philosophers,
philosophical themes, theories, and basic terminology. It will primarily
focus on ancient and modern western philosophy. Philosophical questions
and issues raised from the classical Greek period to modern times will be
discussed.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The study of philosophy promises an adventure in thinking. The present
course has been designed to attain the following objectives:

To introduce the students to the basic terminology used in

philosophy
To familiarize them with the names and contributions of prominent
philosophers
To enable the students to trace the application of theoretical
concepts to the life of an individual in society
To expose the students to a close examination of available literature
in order to develop their understanding and appreciation of how the
modern disciplines emerged from philosophy.
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To develop the students analytical and critical interest and ability to

evaluate issues and problems
To enable students to carry out research projects on philosophical
concepts, issues, and/or contributions

COURSE OUTCOMES:
By the end of the term the students will be able to:

understand and use the terminology used in philosophical literature

see the application of the philosophical concepts in practical life
situations, especially those pertaining to political, economic, and
social issues
conduct small literature review and research projects involving
library and electronic research and
report writing as well as
presentation of the same to an audience

EXAMINATION:
There will be two major exams for this course.
The exams will consist of problems and theory questions based on
class-lectures, discussions, and seminars.
No make up exam will be given except for genuine medical cases
and other emergencies.
All assignments must be turned in on the specified due date. There
is no such thing as a late assignment.
QUIZZES:
In order to make sure that students keep up with the course work,
several announced and unannounced short quizzes will be given
during the semester.
No make-up quizzes will be given.
In final composition of the grade, the lowest quiz score will be
disregarded, including a zero given for a missed out quiz.

Assignments:
Students will be given at least two assignments; one before the mid-term and the other
following that. Class presentations will be mandatory.
ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to attend all classes. Attendance will be
taken regularly. A zero will be assigned for attendance if the
unexcused absences exceed 5 during the semester. Moreover, the
students will be responsible for knowing what transpires in the
missed class, which may include assignment and syllabus revisions.
Students are required to be punctual and be present in the class before the teacher
enters. Coming late to the class is not allowed. However if such happens, one absent
will be marked for every two late entries.
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Students should recognize that there is a close connection between

regular class attendance and performance.

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Final Grade Composition:

Assignments/Presentations
Class Attendance
Quizzes
Project
Mid Term Exam
End Term Exam
Total

10%
5%
10%
10%
30%
35%
100%

STUDENT CONSULTATION:
At the end of every class.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
The students are expected to practice punctuality and regularity, and
show active participation in the class. Absence from a class or late arrival,
without sufficient cause will result in appropriate punitive action.
Complete honesty during exams is imperative, without which the whole
purpose of education is defeated. Exemplary conduct during an
examination from all students, therefore, can hardly be over emphasized.
Any breach of discipline would be considered a serious digression and
would be dealt with appropriately. Assignments, presentations and the
term project reports must be submitted on time. Any delay, for whatever
reason, will result in appropriate punitive action.
No material quoted from any sources should be presented without proper
reference to the source in your term report.
In case a student violates the rules and regulations set by the college
during any academic activity he/she will be penalized and awarded an F
in the whole course. This may also result in a disciplinary action that may
even be the students separation from the program.

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TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE:

Week
#

Lectur
e#

Topic
Part I (Before Midterm)

1.

1
2

2.

3
4

3.

5
6

4.

7
8

5&6.

9
10
11
12

Introduction to Philosophy
Philosophy: The nature and definition
Major areas of Philosophy
A brief History of Ancient Thought
The Greek philosophers
Socrates: Life and philosophy
The Socratic method
Socrates: contribution and influence
Plato: Life and works
Plato: Theory of forms, political theory, ethics, art
Aristotle: Life and works
Physics, or Natural Philosophy
Biology
Aristotelian Psychology
Metaphysics
Ethics
Logic
Influence
Part II (After Midterm)

7, 8 & 9

13
14
15
16
17

10,11&1
2.

18 19
20
21
22
23

24

Rene Descartes: The rise of modern thought and

Cartesian Revolution
Henry Bergson: The Revolt against Materialism
Mind and Brain
Creative Evolution
Bertrand Russell: The Logician and the Reformer
Philosophy and Life: The theory of knowledge
Descartes method of doubt
Rationalism and empiricism
Leibniz, Hume, and Kant
SUMMARY
END TERM EXAM

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