DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT

PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Mark Anthony L. Dacela Philosophy Department, WH 505 DLSU

Course Description:
PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON is aimed at addressing the question: What does it mean to be a human person? The response is elucidated through the use of phenomenological method a vital tool in the understanding of the human person. In this course, the student is encouraged to embark on a journey, to recall those experiences that challenge her as a person. At the end of the reflective journey, the student awakens to a realization of the richer meaning of a person; it helps the student acquire intellectual breadth and depth, critical judgment, moral sensitivity and social consciousness which will enable her to progress in achieving clear and mature decisions. A study of this subject will enrich the study of other subjects. This course is essentially competency-based; it is focused primarily on thinking skills, and as such is useful for students who want to increase their ability to analyze, evaluate, and articulate arguments in a variety of contexts. Even though this course is more about correct thinking than good writing its ultimate goal is to assist participants in making good oral and written presentations. Hence practicing how to express arguments in writing is an inherent part of our course work.

Course Outline:

Topics

Reading Assignments Film Assignments

Tour of the Rabbit Hole What is the Value of Philosophy? Why study of Philosophy?

Overview The Problems of Philosophy (Chapter XV) Plato's Myth of the Cave

On the Limits of Human Knowledge: Can I Know? Can I know the External World? How can I acquire knowledge? What does Truth mean? On Human Freedom: Am I free? Am I free to act? Do rules govern my action? How do I make the right decisions? On the Value of Life: Does my life have meaning? Does God exist? Can my life make sense? What is the Value of Religion?

Descartes' Meditation on First Philosophy (Meditations 1 and 2)

Waking Life Matrix

Beyond Freedom and Dignity No Exit Sartre Existentialism is Humanism

Minority Report Stranger than Fiction

Nietzsche's The Gay Science Why I am NOT a Christian Aquinas_ Proving God's Existence

Yes Man Bruce Almighty

Course Requirements:

1.

97 - 100 = 4.0
Attendance

a.
2.

6 absences = 0.0 (Final Grade)

93 - 96 = 3.5 89 - 92 = 3.0

Participation

85 - 88 = 2.5 Students are expected to come to class prepared to contribute to the discussion. Participation includes active speaking as well as attentive listening. An atmosphere of respect, openness and patience is expected in the classroom. I have a strict NO LAPTOP, NO CELLPHONE POLICY. 80 - 84 = 2.0

3. 4.

Creative Outputs(Format would be discussed in class)* Bring the required readings in class. (Readings are uploaded on our Facebook Group)

75 - 79 = 1.5 70 - 74 = 1.0 0 - 69 = 0.0

*Late requirements will not be accepted. Cheating in any form = 0.0 (Final Grade) Perfect attendance + Complete requirements = + .5 (Final Grade)

NO FINAL EXAM/FINAL REQUIREMENT = 0.0 FINAL GRADE

Assessment and Evaluation

Each requirement has an equivalent number of points. The total number of points accumulated by the student will determine his/her final grade. 100 points is equivalent to 4.0, 50 points is equivalent to 1.0, and less than 50 points is equivalent to 0.0. Grades are non-negotiable unless there are proofs of error in computation. For this purpose, students are required to keep all papers given back to them during the term until final grades are given. Under no circumstance will extra work for additional grade be given to those failing the course or those unsatisfied with their grade at the end of the term.