PHI 211 - Introduction to Philosophy (3 Cr)
Résumé de section
-
Professor: Dr. Roy Clouser
Need help: CLI Help Desk (helpdesk@christianleaders.net)
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with reality, existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language.
Overview
This class examines big questions philosophers have asked about reality, being, God, cosmology, reason, mind, heart human identity, time, and ethics. The class will explore various answers offered by secular and Christian thinkers in various cultures throughout history.Outcomes
- Identify some areas of perennial inquiry by philosophers, such as ontology (being), epistemology (knowing), logic (valid argumentation, ethics (morality), the universe and time (cosmology).
- Know some major philosophers throughout history and their contribution to philosophy.
- Understand and evaluate some of the most influential claims of various philosophers.
- Discern how concepts and ideas are rooted in different worldviews and cultural assumptions.
- Grasp and articulate distinctively Christian answers to important philosophical questions.
ResourcesThis course includes resources from many books and articles. You will read original authors. All required material is included in the online course. No book purchases are needed.
Required Assignments1. View all online lectures and read all articles on each topic. Active engagement with course materials prior to attempting the quiz is required for each unit. If a resource is provided in multiple formats, simply choose whichever format best supports your learning. CLI’s system tracks your viewing history to determine meaningful engagement. Make sure you are logged into your student account when viewing or downloading the materials.
2. Take the online quiz for each unit. You will have 75 minutes to answer 20 multiple-choice questions for each quiz. Each quiz covers the readings and video lectures for that unit. Once a quiz has started, you must finish it, and you cannot retake it.
Quizzes must be completed independently. The use of AI tools, search engines, other websites, or assistance from other individuals is prohibited.
Quizzes are open-note. You may reference your own notes or any of the provided CLI course materials during the quiz. However, you should plan to study materials prior to attempting the quiz.
Quiz Tip: First answer the questions you know. Then use your own notes or the provided CLI course materials to help answer any questions you are unsure about.
Please Note: Effective September 1, this course will transition to a single-quiz-attempt format to align with standard CLI course metrics. If you are currently enrolled and intend to utilize a second attempt on any upcoming quizzes, please complete them prior to September 1.
3. At the end of the course, you will be invited to complete a brief Course Feedback Survey. Your feedback helps CLI evaluate the course and identify opportunities for improvement.
Course Forum
Each course forum is located near the beginning of the course, immediately before the first course-content section. The forum allows students to post course-related questions and comments for other currently enrolled students to view and discuss. You can also search previous posts to see whether your question or topic has already been addressed.
The forum is intended primarily for peer discussion and may not receive an immediate response. Questions or concerns requiring timely assistance should be directed to the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net.
Grading Scale
A 93-100% A- 90-92% B+ 87-89% B 83-86% B- 80-82% C+ 77-79% C 73-76% C- 70-72% D+ 67-69% D 63-66% D- 60-62% F 0-59%
Students' final grade is based on the average of all required quizzes and assignments. Each graded activity is weighted equally unless otherwise stated. The single lowest quiz score will be excluded from the overall grade.
Your average for the course must be at least 60%. Otherwise, you will fail the class and will receive no credit.
Deadline
You have 180 days to finish the course. If you have not received a final grade for the course before your enrollment ends, you will be automatically unenrolled, you will receive an “Administrative Withdrawal” for the course on your transcript, and all coursework will be removed. You will have to start over and take the class again to receive credit.
To avoid potential administrative delays or additional fees, please complete all assignments at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.
If you believe you qualify for a two-week extension, as outlined in our Catalog policies, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@christianleaders.net as soon as possible, ideally at least three weeks before your enrollment end date.
Note: This course was formerly called Philosophy 101.
-
Welcome to the course!
-
In this unit, we look at the structure of the philosophical arguments. This is the basis for doing philosophy as a careful thinker.
-
In this unit we turn our attention to the ancient Greeks who, one could say, invented the thing we call philosophy.
-
In this unit we dip our toes into the waters of Ontology, or the philosophy of being.
-
The Question of God
One of the "Big Questions" that philosophy addresses is the existence of God. God, by definition, is not visible nor is God readily apparent to everyone. So does God exist? We take a look at the philosophical arguments in this unit.
-
The Question of Epistemology
In this unit we try to gain a little understanding of what it means to say I know this or that.
-
What It Means to Be Human
In this unit we delve into the issue of anthropology or the understanding of what it means to be human. In our world today, this question is being more and more debated as we come to grips with our identity. The Christian faith offers a unique understanding of humanity as a creation of God in His own image. We will devote some time to unpacking that idea.
-
Do you have a Prayer Request? Click here if you or someone you know needs to be lifted up in prayer!
What is Time?
In this unit we turn our attention to the concept of time. What is time? Is it part of the creation of God or is time something that actually existed before time began? Let's ponder that together in this unit.
-
The Philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard is known as the Father of the Modern Existential Movement in philosophy. He was a Danish Lutheran Christian whose writings have shaped a great deal of the thought of the last 100 years. -
The Mind, The Heart, and The Soul
In this unit we will listen in on some discussions of what it means to speak of the heart, the soul, and/or the mind from a Christian point of view. -
The Study of Ethics
In this unit we will be introduced to the sometimes very difficult area of Christian Ethics. One finds many voices competing for attention today. We listen to a few of them to get our bearings as Christian thinkers. -
Herman Dooyeweerd
Herman Dooyeweerd was an influential Christian philosopher from the Netherlands. His ideas on a Christian viewpoint for philosophical reflection took a unique turn. His thought is worth listening to and pondering for our own instruction in how to think as a Christian.-
-
🎉 Well Done!
Congratulations on Completing This Course!
You've successfully completed this course. Celebrate your accomplishment with a personalized Certificate of Course Completion that recognizes the time, effort, and dedication you've invested in your learning journey.
Purchase Your Certificate
-
The course has ended. Please make sure:
- All assignments have been completed and submitted for grading.
- All quizzes have been completed.
If your work is incomplete, it is considered a drop, and you will have to take the class again in order to receive credit.
-
Our staff will be using this time to review your work. Your grade should appear on your "My Home Page" in the "Course Overview" section. Please contact Helpdesk if you have any questions or did not receive your grade.