Syllabus: Darwin and Philosophy

Darwin and Philosophy

PHI 348-001 & HNR 301-002
Spring 2012 | TR 9:25 - 10:40 | HR 10
Instructor: Rudy Garns | LA 232 | 572-5528
Office Hours: TBA & by appointment

Use Twitter to post comments or questions about the class. Follow hashtag #nkudarwin

The course will be run as a seminar, with our discussions focused on seven driving questions.

1. What is the philosophical significance of Darwin's theory? In what ways did Darwin influence philosophy?
2. How does Darwin help us understand evolution and natural selection?
3. What is an adaptation?
4. What is a species and how are biological species related to the philosophical ideas of essential natures and natural kinds?
5. Can Darwinian evolution account for cultural change?
6. Can Darwinian evolution account for the human mind?
7. Can Darwinian evolution account for morality and politics?

We will work through the Dan Dennett book, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, supplemented with additional articles and reading selections. Everyone is expected to read all assignments before class, come prepared to ask questions and join the discussion, and turn in work on time.

1. Successful students will gain a suitably sophisticated understanding of evolutionary theory as it is applied to biological and philosophical issues.
2. Successful students will be able to identify philosophical problems that present challenges to naturalistic views of the world.
3. Successful students be able to discuss intelligently ways in which evolutionary theory can inform philosophical theories that address these problems.
4. Successful students will have multiple opportunities to improve critical reading, writing and thinking.

20% includes attendance. You are required to attend class, participate responsibly, and prepare adequately for class. My evidence for adequate participation in class is your behavior. Those who regularly ask questions and take part in class discussions are clearly actively involved in the class; and those who regularly attend class, listen attentively to lectures and discussions, and complete assignments on time are also involved in the class (though to a lesser degree). Failure to attend class or to complete assignments, sleeping in class, talking to neighbors and other disruptive behavior will count against you.

To receive an A for the course you must attend at least 90% of the classes; for a B, at least 80%; for a C at least 70%. Anyone missing more than 40% of the classes will fail the course.

20% At least 10 blog posts over the semester in response to my posted queries. I will use to blog posts to assess your knowledge of the material, acquired both from the reading assignments and the in-class discussions. Good blog posts will respond to the weekly prompt clearly and concisely with relevant and accurate information.

30% Three micro-essays (10% each) A micro-essay is a one page summaries of a target article. A good essay should identify the thesis and the main lines of reasoning. I will identify several candidate articles. The micro-essay assignments are designed to enhance and demonstrate your ability to read, think and write carefully and critically.

30% Final Project (15% preliminary, 15% final) The final research project is designed to enhance your ability to engage in independent research on course-related topic of personal interest, to apply your knowledge of the course material in a project with some depth and focus, and to communicate that research through appropriate conventions in a written, scholarly paper.

Preliminary Material

1. Proposal - Due: Feb 14
2. Annotated Bibliography - Due: Feb 28
3. Draft - Due: April 5

Final Project

1. Final Paper (includes abstract) - Due: Final exam period

The final grade for the course should be understood as my assessment of your overall level of achievement in the class based on all the evidence available to me. Your written work will contain most of the important information upon which I make this decision, though your work through out the semester (turning in assignments on time, preparation, attendance) will figure in. In short, the final grade will be determined by the following question, which I will ask myself in a sober, reflective and analytic moment at the end of the semester: based on class discussion,the essays/papers and presentations, to what degree does this student meet the course objectives, fulfill the requirements and understand the course material?

I understand the particular letter grades in terms of the descriptions given in the recent university catalog. A grade of C “represents average achievement; the minimum expected of a college student.” Better or worse work is possible and will be reflected in the grade. Please ask me if you have questions about your standing in the class at any point in the semester.

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