Course Background and Description
The ability to reason well is of immeasurable value. As students are introduced to the study of logic they will be better equipped to evaluate statements and analyze arguments. They will also engage the philosophies of thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, and Locke. Students will be introduced to a variety of methods, some classical (Kantian deontological ethics, Aristotelian virtue ethics, Locke's utilitarianism, etc.), for making ethical decisions.

Class Materials

• Textbooks
  • Bachman, James and Jaakko Hintikka, What If...? Toward Excellence in Reasoning, Custom ed.
  • Miller, E.D. and Jon Jensen, Questions That Matter: An Invitation to Philosophy, Shorter version
  • Weston, Anthony, A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox 1st ed.
• Notebook
• Blue or Black ink pens

Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on the following through a direct point-scoring system:

• Homework - book work, worksheets, outlines, etc.
• Quizzes - reading quizzes, in-class essays
• Presentation/Paper
• Group Presentation
• Tests
• Midterm
• Final - heavier focus on material covered after the midterm, worth roughly 20% of the student's final grade

Classroom Rules
Refer mostly to the PLHS student handbook, 2008. General rules such as being seated before the bell, raising a hand for permission to speak, and refraining from social chatter all apply. Rules specific to the teacher will be explicitly stated (and repeated when necessary) in class. Respect and courtesy to both the teacher and fellow students will be enforced to ensure a classroom environment that is cohesive to learning.

Tardies and Absences
Unexcused tardies and absences will be treated equally in regards to their negative affect on a student’s grade. Two unexcused tardies or absences per quarter will be forgiven; however, every instance thereafter will drop the student’s quarter grade by 1%.

Extra Credit
These opportunities vary each year and are scattered throughout the course. Each opportunity will come with clear instructions and ample time for completion. Students are encouraged to take advantage of extra credit.