"So what is philosophy, anyway?"  In this course, we will answer this
question by examining some of the subject matter of contemporary
philosophy.  The theme in this course is that one learns philosophy
by doing philosophy.  "Doing philosophy" will consist of responding
to the various essays we read through critical (though informal)
discussions and through writing.  Given our theme, the course will be
topics-oriented.  We will examine philosophical topics such as the
God, the meaning of life, the mind-body problem, the search for
truth, and the nature of reality. Time permitting, I will be taking
requests for further philosophical explorations.

This course will benefit not only those who keep finding themselves
asking the "Big Questions," but also anyone who would like to
understand how to reason, how to persuade, and how to write
effectively.  These are skills you can take away from the class and
apply to your academic, professional, and personal life.

Performance in the course will be assessed by a few very short
reading-response essays, one presentation, and one essay we'll work
on during the second half of the term.

If you have any questions, please email me, Lee Pike, at
lepike@indiana.edu.