INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Section 001
CRN: 10066
11:00 AM — 12:15 PM
EKH 122

Dr. Timothy J. Freeman
The University of Hawaii at Hilo
Edith Kanaka‘ole Hall 212
office: 932-7479; cell: 345-5231

freeman@hawaii.edu

Office Hours: T&TH 1:00-1:50
and by appointment

Phil 100 Introduction to Philosophy
Major philosophers, methods, and issues in Western and non-Western philosophy. Discussion of such problems as our knowledge of reality, the freedom of the will, the relations between the mind and body, morality, the meaning of life and the existence of God.

The Story of Philosophy, Bryan Magee (London: DK Books, 2016).

This course will provide an introduction to philosophy through examining key texts in both Western and Asian philosophical traditions. The first part of the course focuses on the philosophy of Plato, taking up for consideration his views on the nature of reality, the pursuit of knowledge, the relation between art and truth, and the importance of philosophy. The second part of the course provides an introduction to Asian philosophy, examining some of the key texts in Indian, Chinese, and Japanese philosophy. We start with the Upanishads, the foundation of Indian philosophy. We follow the development of classical Indian thought, Hinduism, in The Bhagavad Gita. We then turn to the development of Buddhism, examining some of the important texts in The Pali Canon, and then the further development of Mahayana Buddhism in the Prajnaparamita Sutras. We then turn to ancient China, examining key texts it the development of Confucianism and Daoism. We conclude this introduction to Asian philosophy by examining the development of Zen, which had its origins in China with the influence of both Mahayana Buddhism and Daoism. Part Three of the course provides an introduction to some of the important texts in the development of Modern Western Philosophy. We consider questions concerning the nature of reality, knowledge, and political philosophy, examining key texts of Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, and Hume. Part Four of the course takes up issues in philosophy today. We begin Thoreau's essay on civil disobedience, and the turn to Nietzsche's radical challenge to the tradition of Western Philosophy, some possible resonances of his thought with Asian philosophies, and the relevance of his thought for environmental philosophy. We will examine some of the developments in environmental philosophy including Aldo Leopold's "Land Ethic." We will take up a consideration of the problem of climate change, and also consider the possible relevance for environmental philosophy, of the controversy here on the island of Hawaiʻi concerning the summit of Mauna Kea.

[Philosophy courses for GE purposes]: (As with all Philosophy courses) Students who successfully complete the course will be able to:
●respond clearly, logically and critically to examination questions and discussion questions about some important philosophical issues relevant to the course;
●read, comprehend, and discuss philosophical texts relevant to the course;
●compose effective written materials that assimilate, synthesize and reflect on course information;
●identify and describe in writing and in class discussion some important aspects of the cultural heritage and contributions of philosophers in both Asian and Western traditions of philosophy.

This is an Online Scheduled (synchronous) course. According to the UH Hilo Designation of Types of Courses:
"This is an online course scheduled at specific dates and times as listed. Scheduled online meetings will be via Zoom or similar, with all coursework done online." We will meet on Zoom at 11:00 AM MWF. All classes will be recorded and available to review.
UH Hilo Designation of Types of Courses

Students will be expected to attend classes through Zoom on time and be ready to participate in class discussions.
Students will be expected to turn cameras on.

Attendance and Participation (10%):
Philosophy comes alive and most interesting through discussion, through engaging with each other about questions raised in the texts. An A in the course will thus require good attendance and participation in online class discussions

Mid-term assignment (40% each)
Each student must complete 1 of 2 mid-term essay assignments (3-4 pages each).
Turn in essays on Lamakū.
If you do both assignments the lowest grade will be dropped.

Final Essay Assignment (50%)
Final essay assignment is 4-5 pages and is to be turned in to Lamakū at end of final exam period.

Grading will be determined according to the following scale:
A 95-100 Excellent
A - 90-94
B + 87-89
B 84-86 Good
B - 80-83
C + 77-79
C 74-76 Satisfactory
C - 70-73 Poor
D 60-70 Failure
F below 60

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Spring 2026 Calendar
Spring 2026 Final Exam Schedule

Course Evaluation

**Schedule is subject to revision**