Don Smith
Philosophy in Literature
Credits: .5 (1 semester)
Prerequisite: none
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Philosophy is a class designed for those students who are interested in the
exploration of the major ideas and beliefs that have shaped thinking and artistic
expression in our world. This course is not for the timid and definitely not for
the non-thinker. If concepts like metaphysics, logic, epistemology, and ethics
interest you, or if theology, essentialism, rationalism, determinism, freewill,
kpost HOC PROPTER HOC, and circular arguments intrigue you, you might
consider Philosophy in Literature. Students will participate in a seminar style of
instruction which will present major and minor class composition projects.
Instruction will include Socratic dialogues, philosophic, artistic, political and
religious perspective. Related literature will be included.
Sample Topics Covered:
• The Pre-Socratics
• The Philosophy of Idealism - Plato
• The Philosophy of Realism - Aristotle
• The Philosophy of Pragmatism - James, Darwin, Kant
• The Philosophy of Existentialism and the Post-Moderns
Prerequisite: none
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Philosophy is a class designed for those students who are interested in the
exploration of the major ideas and beliefs that have shaped thinking and artistic
expression in our world. This course is not for the timid and definitely not for
the non-thinker. If concepts like metaphysics, logic, epistemology, and ethics
interest you, or if theology, essentialism, rationalism, determinism, freewill,
kpost HOC PROPTER HOC, and circular arguments intrigue you, you might
consider Philosophy in Literature. Students will participate in a seminar style of
instruction which will present major and minor class composition projects.
Instruction will include Socratic dialogues, philosophic, artistic, political and
religious perspective. Related literature will be included.
Sample Topics Covered:
• The Pre-Socratics
• The Philosophy of Idealism - Plato
• The Philosophy of Realism - Aristotle
• The Philosophy of Pragmatism - James, Darwin, Kant
• The Philosophy of Existentialism and the Post-Moderns