Department of Philosophy
PHL 314A -- Major Representatives of American Philosophy
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Semester: Fall 1998
When: T, W, Th - 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Where: Doorley Hall D111
Office Hours: T, W, Th 11-12
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Course Objectives:
The major representative of American Philosophy who will be covered in
this course will be William James.
By the end of the course, students should understand:
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the main themes of American philosophy
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the principal ideas of the philosophy of William James
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the historical and conceptual context of James’s philosophy
Course Description:
The development of the central themes of American Philosophy as found in
one or more of the following: Peirce, Royce, James, Dewey, Whitehead, Quine,
Rorty. 3 credits.
Required Text:
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The Writings of William James: A Comprehensive Edition. The
University of Chicago Press, 1978.
Online Resources:
Grading Criteria:
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Midterm examination—30%
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Class Project—30%
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Final examination—40%
Policy on Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating on tests will result in failure of the test. Cheating
on the final examination will result in failure of the final examination
and the course.
Attendance Policy:
Absence from a test: no make-up will be given. An exception to
this policy will be considered only if an extremely serious and verified
reason is offered, e.g., a serious illness or injury verified in writing
by a physician. Absence from 9 or more classes: if a student is doing
unsatisfactory work, he or she may receive an FA grade.
Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty:
"Every effort will be made to ensure justice in any allegation of intellectual
dishonesty. In all cases, educational assistance rather than adversarial
proceedings will be sought. Sanctions may include receiving a failing
grade in the course, and in the case of a second instance, dismissal from
the college."
Course Outline:
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Background to American philosophy: historical and conceptual
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William James: life and times
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James and the beginnings of academic philosophy
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The main themes of James’s philosophy
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James’s Pragmatism
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James’s influence on American philosophy and American culture
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American philosophy after James
Approximately two weeks will be devoted to each topic. Specific readings
and computer assignments will be given at the appropriate time.
Web-Based Discussion
Group
After instruction in how to participate in the group, assignments involving
research and discussion of readings will be given.
Philosophy
Department || Iona College
