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This course is an introductory survey of some
of the main areas of philosophy using issues from the post‑war years,
1945‑70, as an organizing structure. EN 136 is the other courses in this Integrated Studies
Program cluster. We will have ample opportunity to pause as we go along for
literary, social, and cultural references. The integrated nature of PL 136
and EN 136 allows us to study philosophical and literary works in their
temporal context and to discuss a broad range of philosophical ideas with
references to a period of time in which they took on a special liveliness.
The topics that this course will consider are
the following: the relationship between the individual and the state, the
meaning of life, the varieties of ethical theory, natural and legal rights,
social justice and its implementation, civil disobedience, free speech, and
the morality of war.
You are expected to attend every class, to
come prepared each day to discuss and to ask questions about the readings
assigned, and to read and respond to class email. (Note: you will need an
active Colby e‑mail account and to check it at least three times each
week.) After the permitted two absences, there will be a penalty for
missing additional classes without previously having received permission.
Class participation (20%), the mid semester and final exams (50%), and the
two writing assignments (30%) will determine grades.
The writing assignments are two essays of
approximately 5 pages each.
Topics will be announced each week; papers on those topics will be
due the following week, on Wednesday, at the latest. Prudence dictates that you should complete
at least one of the writing assignments by the middle of the semester and
not wait until the end for the second.
The following
books should be purchased. Other assigned readings will be available on
reserve in Miller Library (R).
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