Spring 2026
Introduction to Philosophy
Approved: NBM/8-21 Introduction to Philosophy PHIL 1301 3A1 CREDIT 3 Semester Credit Hours (3 hours lecture, 0 hours lab) MODE OF INSTRUCTION Face-to-Face PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE: None COURSE DESCRIPTION A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1. Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy. 3. Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing. 4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life. 5. Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world. INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION Instructor: Blake Mires Email: nbmires@lit.edu Office Phone: (409) 247-5080 Office Location: Technology Center 223 Office Hours: Monday 12:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.; Tuesday & Wednesday 12:30–2:30 p.m.; Thursday 12:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00–11:00 a.m. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS 1. An Introduction to Philosophy by Russ Payne https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/an-introduction-to-philosophy 2. Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics edited by George Matthews https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-ethics/ 3. Introduction to Philosophy: Philosophy of Religion edited by Beau Branson https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/942 4. Use of the library, Internet, and current information sources such as newspapers, TV and journals. ATTENDANCE POLICY You are required to log on weekly to Blackboard and review the week's course material. Additionally, you are required to check your LIT emails weekly. Assignments are typically due each week. Assignments are typically due each week. Face-to-face students are allowed up to five absences; each additional absence will result in a one-point deduction from the final grade. Arriving late or leaving early may result in you being marked absent. DROP POLICY If you wish to drop a course, you are responsible for initiating and completing the drop process. If you stop coming to class and fail to drop the course, you will earn an “F” in the course. COURSE CALENDAR Module TOPIC ASSIGNMENTS (Due on this Date) 1 Course Introduction and Policies Discussion of Syllabus What is Philosophy Syllabus Quiz Module 1 Discussion 01/25/26, 11:59 PM 2 How to do Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Module 2 Essay Quiz over “What is Philosophy” and “How Philosophy is Done” 02/01/26, 11:59 PM 3 Plato’s allegory of the cave Rationalism Module 3 Discussion Board Quiz over “Ancient Philosophy” and “Rationalism” 02/08/26, 11:59 PM 4 Empiricism Philosophy of Science AI conversation 1 Quiz over “Empiricism” and “Philosophy of Science” 02/15/26, 11:59 PM 5 Philosophy of Mind Love and Happiness Logic Assignment Quiz over “Philosophy of Mind” and “Love and Happiness” 02/22/26, 11:59 PM 6 Meta Ethics Right Action AI conversation 2 Quiz over “Meta Ethics” and “Right Actions” 03/01/26, 11:59 PM 7 Social Justice Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion? Module 7 Essay Quiz over “Social Justice” and “Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion” 03/08/26, 11:59 PM 8 Can We Have Ethics without Religion? How Can I Be a Better Person? AI conversation 3 Quiz over “Can We Have Ethics Without Religion” and “How Can I Be a Better Person?” 03/22/26, 11:59 PM Common Assignment submitted in Module 13 04/26/25, 11:59 PM 9 What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory Utilitarianism Quiz over “What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory” and “Utilitarianism” 03/29/26, 11:59 PM 10 Kantian Deontology Feminism and Feminist Ethics AI conversation 4 Quiz over “Kantian Deontology” and “Feminist Ethics” 04/05/26, 11:59 PM 11 Evolutionary Ethics Freedom of the Will Quiz over “Evolutionary Ethics” and “Freedom of the Will” 04/12/26, 11:59 PM 12 The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in the Western Tradition Reasons to Believe – Theoretical Arguments AI conversation 5 Quiz over “The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion” and “Reasons to Believe” 04/19/26, 11:59 PM 13 Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence Reasons Not to Believe Quiz over “Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence” and “Reasons not to Believe” 04/26/26, 11:59 PM 14 Debunking Arguments against Theistic Belief From Philosophy of (Mono)theism to Philosophy of Religions Module 14 Essay 05/03/26, 11:59 PM 15 Review Final Exam Final Exam Extra credit quiz over "Debunking Arguments Against Theistic Belief" 05/06/26, 11:59 PM COURSE EVALUATION Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria: 1. Quizzes 25% 2. Logic Assignment 5 % 3. Discussions and Essays 20% 4. AI Conversations 10% 5. Common Assignment 20% 6. Final Exam 20 % GRADE SCALE • 90-100 A • 80-89 B • 70-79 C • 60-69 D • 0-59 F TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS The latest technical requirements, including hardware, compatible browsers, operating systems, etc. can be online at https://lit.edu/online-learning/online-learning-minimum-computer-requirements. A functional broadband internet connection, such as DSL, cable, or WiFi is necessary to maximize the use of online technology and resources. DISABILITIES STATEMENT The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal anti-discrimination statutes that provide comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. LIT provides reasonable accommodations as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to students with a diagnosed disability. The Special Populations Office is located in the Eagles’ Nest Room 129 and helps foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment by maintaining partnerships with faculty and staff, as well as promoting awareness among all members of the Lamar Institute of Technology community. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Special Populations Coordinator at (409)-951-5708 or email specialpopulations@lit.edu. You may also visit the online resource at Special Populations - Lamar Institute of Technology (lit.edu). STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT STATEMENT It is the responsibility of all registered Lamar Institute of Technology students to access, read, understand and abide by all published policies, regulations, and procedures listed in the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook. The LIT Catalog and Student Handbook may be accessed at www.lit.edu. Please note that the online version of the LIT Catalog and Student Handbook supersedes all other versions of the same document. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STATEMENT Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) recognizes the recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, have changed the landscape of many career disciplines and will impact many students in and out of the classroom. To prepare students for their selected careers, LIT desires to guide students in the ethical use of these technologies and incorporate AI into classroom instruction and assignments appropriately. Appropriate use of these technologies is at the discretion of the instructor. Students are reminded that all submitted work must be their own original work unless otherwise specified. Students should contact their instructor with any questions as to the acceptable use of AI/ChatGPT in their courses STARFISH LIT utilizes an early alert system called Starfish. Throughout the semester, you may receive emails from Starfish regarding your course grades, attendance, or academic performance. Faculty members record student attendance, raise flags and kudos to express concern or give praise, and you can make an appointment with faculty and staff all through the Starfish home page. You can also login to Blackboard or MyLIT and click on the Starfish link to view academic alerts and detailed information. It is the responsibility of the student to pay attention to these emails and information in Starfish and consider taking the recommended actions. Starfish is used to help you be a successful student at LIT. ADDITIONAL COURSE POLICIES/INFORMATION 1. All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard. 2. Type Discussion and Essay answers directly into Blackboard. Do not attach a file for your answer. If, for some reason, you do need to submit a text file, you must use Microsoft Word. 3. All homework must be typed and use MLA format for citations: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_general_format.html Use MLA formatting for the Common Assignment. You must include your sources for the Common Assignment. 4. All homework, papers, and tests must be completed solely by the student. A first instance of plagiarism will result, at minimum, in a zero on the assignment. A second offense will result in dismissal from the course. (Student not dropped from the course.) 5. All assignments must be submitted with an English version of the assignment. 6. Pen/pencil and paper are required for face-to-face classes 7. Mature behavior is expected at all times. 8. Access to Blackboard and your LIT email is required. Frequently check for any new announcements. 9. Late work will not be accepted except in the case of a documentable emergency beyond the student’s control. Complete assignments and submit them by the due date. You may turn them in early, but not after the due date. Technical difficulties and any other issues must be resolved before the due date, and they will not result in a time extension. If you have issues with Blackboard, use the Technical Support link. Any emails requesting help with an assignment must be sent on a weekday at least 48 hours before the due date. For assignments due over the weekend, emails must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. Emails sent during the weekend will be answered the following work week. Each message must include your name, course, and class section (e.g., PHIL 1301 3A1). 10. The lowest discussion/essay grade and the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. You may turn assignments in early, but not after the due date. 11. Due dates may need to be altered. I will update the Blackboard calendar if a due date is changed.