PHIL 2513 Introduction to Philosophy Syllabus 010 Spring 2026

Credit Hours 3.00 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical/Lab Hours 0
Type of Credit
CIP Code
38.0101
Course Meeting Time

M, W 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Course Description
An introduction to the perennial issues of philosophy. Both historical and contemporary approaches may be explored. IAI: H4 900.
Prerequisites
Appropriate assessment score or ENGL 1422 with a grade of C or better - Must be taken either prior to or at the same time as this course.

Course Alignment

IAI Number
H4-900
IAI Title
Philosophy, Introduction
General Education Outcomes

General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:

  1. Critical Thinking

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Name
Kenneth West
Faculty Email
Faculty Phone
8158028734
Faculty Office Number
L319
Faculty Student Support Hours

T, Th 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Faculty Information

Kenneth West

Course Information

Course Outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify and explicate the perennial issues of philosophy
  2. Identify significant figures—both historical and contemporary—and their various theories, positions, and/or arguments
  3. Assess the merit and strength of particular philosophical arguments.
  4. Define pertinent philosophical terminology, which will enable students to converse more fluently about enduring philosophical issues.
  5. Distinguish, compare and contrast competing philosophical positions.
Textbook/s and Course Materials

Hans Blumenberg, Shipwreck with Spectator (Boston, MA: MIT Press, 2019).

Defoe, Robinson Crusoe (New York: Oxford World's Classics, 2014).

Plato, Republic (New York: Penguin, 2012).

bell hooks, The Will to Change (New York, Washington Square Press, 2004). 

Methods of Evaluation

Examinations

Group Writing Assignments

Academic Division

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700

Course Policies

1. Late work need not be accepted for submission.
2. Make up examinations will be deducted 15 points.
3. Sleeping is unacceptable behavior in a college classroom. Don't do it. If you fall asleep, I'll ask you to
leave. If you're tired, stay home.
4. Class citizenship involves more than simply showing up for class. It also means participating actively in
discussions, asking questions, preparing for class, and respectfully engaging with others in creating a
healthy learning environment.
5. Unless otherwise stated, the use of laptops, smart phones, and watches is not permitted during class
sessions or examinations.

Course Calendar
WeekReading
January 12Claire Pignol, “Which economic agent does Robinson Crusoe represent?” in Economics and Literature: A Comparative and Interdisciplinary Approach (Canvas); M.V. White, “Robinson Crusoe,” The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics (Canvas); “Introduction,” Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, pp. vii-xxxix
January 18George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, “Personification” in Metaphors We Live By (Canvas); Hans Blumenberg, “Introduction to Paradigm for a Metaphorology” in History, Metaphors, Fables: A Hans Blumenberg Reader (Canvas)
January 25Hans Blumenberg, “Prospect for a Theory of Nonconceptuality” in Shipwreck with Spectator, pp. 81-102
February 1Hans Blumenberg, Shipwreck with Spectator, pp. 1-26
February 8Hans Blumenberg, Shipwreck with Spectator, pp. 26-59
February 15Hans Blumenberg, Shipwreck with Spectator, pp. 59-79
February 22Milton, Paradise Lost, selection (Canvas); Rousseau, Emile, selection (Canvas)
March 1Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, pp. 5-60
March 8Spring Break
March 15Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, pp. 60-130
March 22Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, pp. 130-199
March 29Defoe, Robinson Crusoe, pp. 200-258
April 5David Keyt, “Plato and the Ship of State” in The Blackwell Guide to Plato’s Republic (Canvas)
April 12Plato, Republic, Bk. I-II
April 19Plato, Republic, Bk. IV-VI
April 26Plato, Republic, Bk. VII-VIII
May 3Plato, Republic, Bk. IX-X

College Policies, Resources and Supports

College Policies

For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide. 

Resources

KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:

  • Clubs and organizations
  • Counseling and referral services
  • Office of disability services
  • Student complaint policy
  • Transfer services
  • Tutoring services, etc.