The Charter School of Wilmington

Philosophy

Course Description:  This half-year elective course is a survey course that will examine specific philosophers and their ideas and the major schools of philosophy.

Requirements: 

1. Reading assignments – Every student is expected to keep up with all readings.  The majority of the homework in this class will be reading.  As you read each assigned reading, you should take notes and ask questions.  Both of these will help you to better understand the reading and will be beneficial during our class discussions.
2. Class participation – Much of the class is centered on class discussion, so class participation is essential.  If you have a fear of speaking in class, get over it quickly.  Class participation will be part of each marking period’s grade.  Taking notes during class discussions is highly recommended.
3. Tests, quizzes, assignments, etc. – There will be a minimum of four major tests during the course of the semester – probably two per marking period – as well as quizzes and assignments that will factor in to your overall grade.

Topics will include but will not be limited to:

• The nature of reality
• Permanence and change
• Mind and body
• Free will and determinism
• Utilitarianism
• The categorical imperative
• The existential process
• The will to power
• The will to meaning
• Being authentic
• Thinking deductively
• Inductive logic
• Informal fallacies
• Modern scientific thought
• Ethics
• Ethics in science

* There may be additions and/or exclusions to this list.

Taught by:

Mr. Mervine

Room 320

mmervine@charterschool.org

302.651.2727 ext. 320