PHI 211Philosophy in Culture Fall 2014

Matt BonzoProfessor of Philosophy Cornerstone University Office: FOB 117Hours: MWF 9-10, 1-4; TTH 9-11 (During the day; Im usually in my office except when in class)email: matt.bonzo@cornerstone.edu phone: 1200

Required Texts:William Cavanaugh, Being Consumed (Eerdmans, 2008).Luc Ferry, A Brief History of Thought (Harper Perennial, 2011).Heath White, Postmodernism 101 (Baker, 2006)N.T. Wright, After You Believe. Why Christian Character Matters (Harper One, 2010).

Additional readings will be available via the Course Website.

Course Description: Philosophy in Culture is designed to introduce and develop the notion of worldview from a Christian philosophical perspective. The course will play special attention to the hermeneutical issues surrounding worldview and the important role philosophy has played in western culture. Learning Objectives:A. ComprehensionThe student will be able to:a. Define philosophy, worldview, and their relationship to other disciplines.b. Distinguish the structure and direction of creation.c. Identify ontology, ethics, and epistemology as the areas of philosophical inquiry.d. Describe a Christian approach to philosophy.e. Defends Creation, Fall, Redemption as the Christian Worldview.f. Define culture

B. Analysis and EvaluationThe student will be able to:a. Interpret the history of ideas using a Christian hermeneuticb. Compare the antithesis as manifest in distinct historical periodsc. Criticize ones operational worldview from a Christian philosophical basis.d. Appreciate the foundational nature of philosophical discourse for theoretical investigation.e. Engage in respectful conversation regarding philosophical matters.f. Value legitimate difference in others.g. Appreciate the culture-shaping role of the history of ideas.

Requirements:4 Essay ExamsFinal Essay ExamClass points can be obtained through reading quizzes, class participation and other assignments. Need 25 of the 50 to pass the class. Need all 50 to receive the 15% in your grade.

GradesTop 3 Essay Exams (drop lowest of the 4) 45% (15% each)Final Exam 40%Class Points 15%

Scale>92 A; 91-92 A-; 89-90 B+; >82 B ; 81-82 B-; 79-80 C+; >72 C; 71-72 C-; >67 D

Integration of Faith and Learning: As Christians, our worldview must be shaped and tested by Scripture. If we understand our worldviews to be the standpoints from which we see all of life and as that which gives direction to our lives, the importance of critically evaluating these frameworks is evident. To build our life upon any foundation other than Gods revelation is disastrous. At this point the project seems easy. We just need to read Scripture and it will simply shape us. The problem, however, is sin. Sin affects all of life also. It even corrupts our intellectual framework. The prevalence of sin means there is no pure worldview. Rather, each of us must deal with distortions. These distortions are not only personal, but also corporate and institutional. Hence, each of us is to be engaged in the task of allowing Gods Word to change ourselves, our communities, and our cultures.

Christian philosophy undertakes this calling by looking at the basic structures of reality and describing systematically what is subject to that structure. Such investigation begins with the scriptural theme of creation/fall/redemption. From this point of departure, we look such basic questions as How and what can we know? (Epistemology), What should we do? (Ethics), and What is reality like? (Ontology) In providing answers which are firmly rooted in Scripture, we will begin to fulfill Pauls charge to bring into captivity every thought (2 Cor. 10:5).

Instructor/Student CovenantAs instructor of this course, I covenant with each student that I will model Christ-like behavior, value and respect each student as a child of God, come to class prepared, begin and end class on time, make appropriate assignments and grade them fairly, and be available for consultation outside of class. In return, I expect each student to model Christ-like behavior, show proper respect to me as the instructor, come to class prepared, arrive and leave class on time, submit assignments and participate in ways that demonstrate your integrity.

SchedulePart 1Community, Worldview and VirtueWeek of Sept. 1Reading: Wright chps. 1-2Week of Sept.8Reading: Wright chps. 3-5, Olthuis articleWeek of Sept. 15Exam 1 (Sept. 18 or 19)Reading: Wright chps. 6-9

Part 2Desire, Sex, and MarriageFocal Period: GreekWeek of Sept. 22 Reading: Ferry chp. 1, Plato selectionWeek of Sept. 29Reading: Ferry chp. 2, Aristotle selectionWeek of Oct. 6Exam 2 (Oct. 9 or 10)Reading: Ferry chp. 3

Part 3Evil, Death and Faithfulness Focal Period: MedievalWeek of Oct. 13 Fall BreakReading: Augustine selectionWeek of Oct. 20Reading: Aquinas SelectionWeek of Oct. 27Exam 3 (Oct. 30 or 31)Reading: Ferry chp. 4Part 4Wealth, Politics and the Loss of the GoodFocal Period: Modern and Postmodern

Week of Nov. 3Reading: Ferry chp. 5, Locke selectionWeek of Nov. 10 Reading: White chps. 1-5, Hegel selectionWeek of Nov. 17Reading: White chps. 6-9, Marx selectionWeek of Nov. 24 Exam 4 (Nov. 24 or 25) ThanksgivingWeek of Dec. 1Reading: Cavanaugh chps. 1-4Week of Dec. 8 Final Exam

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