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Study.com Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy

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  • Study.com Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy
study.com Philosophy 301
  • Gavin Walton
  • August 18, 2024

If you are reading this post, then you are most likely preparing to pass the study.com Philosophy 301: Principles Of Philosophy course. Whether you sit in the complete philosophical neophyte category or the let’s learn more about this stuff category, this class can take you on an exciting exploration of the world’s most fundamental questions. 

In this course, you will get the opportunity to explore the thinking of such brilliant essayists regarding various topics. Starting from the ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle through the Renaissance and Romantic ages and up to the modern minds such as Sartre, Rand, and Nozick, one will contemplate the profound questions regarding reality, ethics, necessity, and desire. At the end of the course, the students should be able to analyze and critically examine philosophical contentions and situations in everyday life. Also, you will be prepared for that final proctored exam you need to pass and have some college credit, all at the same time!

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Expectations for study.com Philosophy 301 Students📖

Ok let me break it down for you about what you can expect from study.com Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy course. This class is full of serious issues that will set your mind spinning to some of the existential issues in life. Here’s a sneak peek into the philosophical adventure you’re about to embark on: 

First of all, the first stage of the course is devoted to the definition of the philosophy and logic concepts. You’ll get the down-low on what constitutes philosophy, branches of philosophy, philosophical thinking, and elements of structured argumentation. I assure you, those are the foundational issues that will prepare you for handling topics of even more difficulty in the future. 

Then follow the classification of the fallacies and ways of their identification as a part of the course. This is important because when you learn these common logical fallacies, your ability to think critically will be improved. So, yes, you will be asked questions about fallacies on your exam; perhaps one or two of them here by way of example. 

After that, free will and determinism, the concept of personal identity, and the mind-body issue are analyzed in the course. Though these topics are relatively complex and can mess with your head, they are incredibly interesting. Some of these questions that will cross your mind include; Do we really have free will? What determines that I am me and not someone else? Renowned philosophers such as Descartes, Hume, and Sartre will help with such questions. 

In the future, you will uncover the formal dialectics of the evidence for and against the existence of God. You will learn about the beliefs of both the so-called ‘Western’ and the ‘Eastern’ thinking and practice analyzing the opinions of great minds such as William Paley, David Hume, and Soren Kierkegaard, among others. 

Another area that the course gives emphasis to is ethics, politics as well as social justice. You’ll think about Aristotle’s and Kant’s theories along with that of Marx and even such topics as postmodernism with bell hooks. The given sections are not only thought-provoking but are also very applicable to the subject matter of the contemporary world. 

In every video, there exist tests to ensure that you grasp every concept covered in the specific video. These quizzes are intended to help you revise what has been covered in class and as a build-up to the final examination. Speaking of which, the final proctored exam is comprehensive; therefore, it is essential to be consistent with the topic as it progresses along with the completion of each part. 

By the end of this course you will be able to critically assess arguments that are put forward in the sphere of philosophy, discern the positions of certain philosophers, and employ logical tools to approach and solve certain problems. Also, for that final exam that is usually a semester and a grueling challenge, you will be prepared to triumph, not forgetting the college credit you will gain. Now, let us elaborate on the weekly plan that is going to pave the way to success for you.

study.com Philosophy 301
study.com Philosophy 301
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Systematic Study Plan for Philosophy 301📝

To assist you in managing the Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy course and coming out a winner, here are some strategies to consider. If you are going to attend the course, here is a suggested weekly schedule to follow through. This plan will help you to stay organized and well-prepared till the final proctored exam which is the final essence of this class. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Week 1: Introduction to Philosophy & Logic

  • Focus: Get a solid grasp of the basics of philosophy and logic.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 1.
  • Quiz: Take the Chapter 1 quiz to test your understanding.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 2: Types of Fallacies

  • Focus: Learn to identify different types of logical fallacies.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 2.
  • Quiz: Complete the Chapter 2 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:
    • Logical Fallacies: The Fallacy Files
    • Quizlet: Types of Fallacies Flashcards

Week 3: Free Will & Determinism

  • Focus: Understand the debates around free will and determinism.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 3.
  • Quiz: Tackle the Chapter 3 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 4: Self, Mind & Soul in Philosophy

  • Focus: Dive into personal identity and the mind-body problem.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 4.
  • Quiz: Take the Chapter 4 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 5: God in Philosophy

Week 6: Religion & Philosophy

  • Focus: Examine the intersection of religion and philosophy.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 6.
  • Quiz: Take the Chapter 6 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 7: Reality in Philosophy

  • Focus: Understand different perspectives on reality.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 7.
  • Quiz: Tackle the Chapter 7 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 8: Ancient Epistemology

  • Focus: Delve into the epistemological theories of ancient philosophers.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 10.
  • Quiz: Complete the Chapter 10 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 9: Modern Epistemology

  • Focus: Study the theories of modern philosophers on knowledge.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 11.
  • Quiz: Take the Chapter 11 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 10: Contemporary Epistemology

Week 11: Ethics in Philosophy

  • Focus: Understand various ethical theories and concepts.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapter 13.
  • Quiz: Tackle the Chapter 13 quiz.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 12: Political Philosophy & Social Justice

  • Focus: Study political theories and concepts of social justice.
  • Watch: All lessons in Chapters 14 and 15.
  • Quiz: Complete the quizzes for Chapters 14 and 15.
  • Extra Resources:

Week 13: Review and Practice

  • Focus: Review all previous chapters and take practice quizzes.
  • Watch: Re-watch any lessons you found challenging.
  • Quiz: Retake quizzes for any chapters you struggled with.
  • Extra Resources:
    • Study.com Practice Test
    • Quizlet: Philosophy 301 Flashcards

Week 14: Final Exam Preparation

  • Focus: Prepare for the final proctored exam.
  • Watch: Any remaining lessons and review key concepts.
  • Quiz: Take the final practice test.
  • Extra Resources:
    • Study.com Final Exam Guide
    • Quizlet: Comprehensive Philosophy Flashcards

Following the laid out week-by-week study plan, you should be well-equipped to excel in your Philosophy 301 final exam. Keep at it, make good use of the extra resources, and do not shy away from going over concepts you feel are slightly complicated. Happy studying!

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Free Tools and Resources for Philosophy 301📂

To succeed in Study.com’s Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy course, utilizing a variety of resources can make all the difference. Here are some excellent, free external resources that will help you understand difficult concepts and reinforce what you’ve learned:

YouTube Channels and Videos

CrashCourse Philosophy

  • CrashCourse Philosophy Playlist
  • CrashCourse offers a fun, engaging way to learn about various philosophical concepts. Their Philosophy series covers a wide range of topics in an accessible manner.

Philosophy Tube

  • Philosophy Tube Channel
  • Philosophy Tube provides in-depth explorations of philosophical ideas and thinkers, presented in a clear and entertaining format.

The School of Life

Online Articles and Resources

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Podcasts

Philosophy Bites

  • Philosophy Bites Podcast
  • This podcast features interviews with top philosophers discussing various philosophical topics in an engaging and accessible way.

History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

  • History of Philosophy Podcast
  • This podcast covers the history of philosophy in a comprehensive manner, ensuring that no important detail is left out.

By incorporating these external resources into your study routine, you can deepen your understanding of complex philosophical concepts and ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam. Happy studying!

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High-Priority Topics for Philosophy 301🔑

Navigating through study.com’s Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy course, it is apparent that the course may be quite an undertaking since the topics discussed and argumentative subjects are rather intensive and diverse. To ease the studying process and prepare for the final examination adequately, I am presenting four concepts with tables and examples to focus on.

  • Branches of Philosophy
Branch
Definition
Example Questions
Epistemology
Study of knowledge and how we acquire it
What is the difference between belief and knowledge?
Metaphysics
Study of the nature of reality and existence
What is the nature of being?
Logic
Study of proper reasoning and argument structure
How do we distinguish valid from invalid arguments?
Ethics
Study of moral values and rules
What actions are right or wrong?
Aesthetics
Study of beauty and art
What makes something beautiful or a work of art?

Example: Here are just some of the questions, epistemology can raise and might answer: What is knowledge? How do we know that we possess it? What standards define knowledge?

  • Types of Fallacies
Fallacy
Definition
Example
Ad Hominem
Attacking the person instead of the argument
"You can't trust John's opinion on climate change; he's not a scientist."
Straw Man
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack
"People who support environmental regulations want to ban all cars."
False Dilemma
Presenting two options as the only possibilities when others exist
"You're either with us or against us."
Appeal to Ignorance
Arguing that a lack of evidence proves something
"No one has proven that aliens don’t exist, so they must be real."

Example: Knowing the ad hominem fallacy enables you to notice when an opponent has shifted the focus by creating an attack on a person and not the subject of the argument.

  • Free Will vs. Determinism
Concept
Definition
Example
Free Will
The ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded
Choosing to study for an exam rather than going out with friends.
Determinism
The philosophical view that all events are determined completely by previously existing causes
A person’s behavior is entirely shaped by their environment and upbringing.
Compatibilism
The belief that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive
One can be free to choose while their choices are still influenced by past events.

Example: When thinking about free will talk about predestination versus internal volition, and how compatibilism attempts to overcome the two.

  • Ethical Theories
Theory
Definition
Example
Utilitarianism
The best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure
Choosing a policy that benefits the majority, even if it harms a few.
Deontology
Ethics is rooted in following rules and duties
Always telling the truth, regardless of the consequences.
Virtue Ethics
Focuses on the character of the individual and living a virtuous life
Acting with honesty and integrity in all situations.

Example: Any process in which the principle of utilitarianism may be applied is public policy, especially in health care where services are prioritized based on the need to carry out the highest amount of good for the majority of people.

Thus, concentrating on such ideas will help you grasp the information effectively and achieve success in your Philosophy 301 exam. Explain with the help of the tables and examples the ideas that you find complicated, and do not shy away from the course materials and the sources found on the internet.

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Popular Questions about Philosophy 301❓

Q: How should I prepare for the quizzes and the final proctored exam?
A: Review notes and video lessons, use flashcards, and take practice quizzes. Create a study schedule to cover all chapters systematically.

Q: What are the most important topics to focus on for the final exam?
A: Focus on branches of philosophy, logical fallacies, free will vs. determinism, and ethical theories. Know major philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Kant.

Q: How can I balance my study time between different chapters?
A: Dedicate more time to challenging chapters and review easier ones quickly. Follow the week-by-week study plan for structured learning.

Q: Are there any external resources that can help me understand difficult concepts better?
A: Yes, use YouTube channels like “CrashCourse Philosophy” and “Philosophy Tube.” Refer to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Quizlet flashcards.

Q: How can I improve my critical thinking skills for this course?
A: Regularly question assumptions and evaluate arguments. Engage in discussions and practice writing essays or summaries.

Q: What if I don’t do well on a quiz or the final exam?
A: You have three quiz attempts, and can retake the final exam twice after a 3-day waiting period. Review mistakes and focus on weak areas.

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Concluding Philosophy 301📄

Students who are planning to take the final proctored exam in Philosophy 301: Principles of Philosophy should be prepared to give much of their time, effort, and attention when studying. In fact, it is much better to have a well-thought-out plan and an extremely organized schedule in studying for this final proctored exam because the latter tests one’s knowledge about various philosophical concepts on the Internet. According to the established weekly schedule and with the use of additional materials as well as approaching the main topics, you will succeed in the quizzes and the final examination. Always keep asking questions, think about how the material was produced and how it might be applied in practice, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when necessary. Here’s wishing you a bon voyage through the subject and all the very best for success in the subject as well as fun in the process.

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