PHIL 163 - Paradoxes and Puzzles

If you make it to this class, you’ve engaged in a paradox, since you will have traveled through an infinite number of points to get there, and that seems impossible. So show up and we’ll figure out if it’s even possible for you to be there. We’ll also try to figure out, among other things, if God and evil can coexist, if time travel is even logically possible, and if you might really be a brain in a vat. These paradoxes and puzzles highlight places where our ordinary ways of thinking seem to break down where apparently acceptable premises lead to unacceptable conclusions. The goal is that thinking through these issues increases your ability to analyze and critically examine arguments, while also introducing you to a broad range of philosophical topics. The class assumes no prior knowledge in philosophy. Grades are based on weekly quizzes, attendance and participation, and a final paper. (SS)

Prerequisites & Notes
21063
1030 to 1245. June 14 to July 12 MTWRF; Daniel Grey Hedden

Credits: 3