Overview
PHIL 231 introduces students to philosophical debate over some of the most fundamental questions humanity has encountered and continues to encounter. Through a study of some of the world's most influential thinkers—Socrates, Confucius, Chuang Tzu (Taoism) and the Buddha—we encounter debate and insights about our place in the universe, what it is to live the good life, what it is to overcome deception and falsity. “What exists?” “What can we know?” “What is the best way to lead our lives?” These questions mark three foundational areas of philosophical debate: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics.
The course focuses on developing an ability to think critically and independently about these questions, initiating the process of making better decisions about which views are worth holding.
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course you must complete all four assignments and achieve a minimum course composite grade of at least D (50 percent). The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Descriptive exposition of a Socratic text (section) | 15% |
| Assignment 2: Descriptive exposition of an Eastern text (section) | 15% |
| Assignment 3: Comparative Essay | 30% |
| Assignment 3: Comparative Essay | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Confucius. (2005). The analects of Confucius (A. Waley, Trans.). Routledge. (Original work published ca. 206 BC–220 AD)
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Plato, The Trial and Death of Socrates (3rd ed.) (G.M.A. Grube trans.) 2000. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co.
Plato, The Phaedo (G.M.A. Grube trans.). 1977. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co.
Chuang-tzu, Basic Writings (Burton Watson, trans.). 1996 New York: Columbia U.P.
Other Materials
Readings on Buddhism are provided online and embedded in the study guide.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PHIL 231 challenge registration, you must achieve an overall grade of at least D (50 percent) .
| Activity | Weight |
| Essay 1 | 50% |
| Essay 2 | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form