Introduction to Philosophy
2019-2020
Dr. Buhler
kbuhler@msjc.com
\indent PHIL 101: Introduction to Philosophy I
Summer 2026 | Online ANYTIME Dates: June 17 – July 25, 2026
Instructor Information
Instructor: Keith Buhler, Ph.D.
Email: kbuhler@msjc.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM via Zoom (link on Canvas)
Course Description
This course introduces philosophical ideas and methods concerning knowledge and the nature of reality. Using Plato’s Republic as our primary guide, we will examine the nature of the soul, the definition of truth, the foundations of ethics, and the structure of a just society. We begin with the “big picture” of philosophical reflection before diving into one of Western Civilization’s most influential primary sources.
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Identify and assess seeds of universal questions and themes in the history of philosophy within Plato.
Analyze and evaluate arguments and approaches to philosophical problems found in a primary texts.
Articulate and defend a stance on philosophical problems pertaining to reality, morality, and the self.
Assessments & Grading
This course is structured exactly like Hector’s PHIL 101 to ensure a balanced, manageable summer workload.
Assignment Type
Description
Points
Module Assignments (10)
1-2 paragraph responses to specific prompts per module.
30%
Weekly Discussions (6)
Collaborative engagement on the week’s big questions.
10%
Midterm Exam
Multiple choice + 2 short essay questions (Bk I-IV).
30%
Final Exam
Multiple choice + 2 short essay questions (Bk V-X).
30%
Total
100%
Note: There are 9 content modules; the 10th writing assignment is the “Introductory/Syllabus” reflection in Week 1.
Course Schedule
Week 1: The Search for Wisdom (June 17 – June 21)
Module 1: The Philosophical Life
Reading: Sophie’s World (Ch. 1-3)
Focus: What is philosophy? The move from myth to reason.
Module 2: The Search for Truth
Reading: Republic Book I
Focus: Socratic dialogue and the chaotic world. Is “justice” just the interest of the stronger?
Holiday: June 19 (Juneteenth) - No assignments due.
Week 2: Justice and the Soul (June 22 – June 28)
Module 3: The Temptation of Injustice
Reading: Republic Book II (The Ring of Gyges)
Focus: Why be good if we can get away with being bad?
Module 4: The Power of Stories
Reading: Republic Book III
Focus: Censorship and entertainment. How do the stories we tell shape our souls?
Week 3: Harmony and the First Exam (June 29 – July 5)
Module 5: The Just State & Soul
Reading: Republic Book IV
Focus: Justice as “minding one’s own business” and the tripartite soul.
MIDTERM EXAM: Covers Modules 1-5. Due Sunday, July 5.
Holiday: July 4 (Independence Day).
Week 4: Equality and the Good (July 6 – July 12)
Module 6: Society and Equality
Reading: Republic Book V
Focus: Can men and women be equal? The abolition of the private family.
Module 7: The Vision of the Good
Reading: Republic Book VI
Focus: The Sun, The Line, and the “Form of the Good.”
Week 5: Reality and the Cave (July 13 – July 19)
Module 8: Escaping the Cave
Reading: Republic Book VII
Focus: Metaphysics and Epistemology. Are we living in a shadow-world?
Module 9: The Anatomy of Tyranny
Reading: Republic Book VIII & IX
Focus: Political devolution. Why the tyrant is the most miserable of men.
Week 6: Final Account (July 20 – July 25)
Reflections and Review
Reading: Republic Book X (The Myth of Er)
Focus: The immortality of the soul and the necessity of choice.
FINAL EXAM: Covers Modules 6-9 (plus cumulative themes). Due Saturday, July 25.
Course Policies
No Late Work: Summer courses move fast. Late assignments or exams are not accepted.
AI Policy: All work must be your own. Avoid using AI, LLMs, Grammarly for anything. Avoid them for brainstorming, outlining, researching, studying. DEFINITELY avoid them for writing. If the instructor has good reason to suspect that your assignments were touched by AI, this is considered plagiarism.
Civility: We will discuss “hot button” issues like marriage and politics. High standards of classical, respectful rhetoric are required.