Will’s Suggested Weekly Order of Operations: Introduction to Philosophy

 

  1. Consider the Socratic “Reason Question for particular Unit, if any. These will be listed in Study Guide 2 for your Journal and will usually be discussed in class or in groups.
  2. Do the assigned Reading (A quick read is suggested: What is the main theme?)
  3. Repeat Step 2 (But this time don’t allow yourself to bypass misunderstood words: Focus on defining unknown terms)
  4. Come to “class” (Lecture/Slide Show) prepared to ask questions
  5. Review assigned Study Guides or Supplements (Note: Many of the Standard Form Arguments discussed in Lecture will be listed in the Study Guides so you will want to have these handy during Step 4
  6. Consider the Philosophical “Experience for particular Unit, if any. These will be listed in Study Guide 2 for your Journal and may be discussed in class.
  7. Repeat Step 2 (This reading should be slower than the first but quicker than the second: Focus on Comprehension)
  8. Come to Office Hours if assistance is needed (drop me an email, or stop by virtual or actual office hours)

 

Note: Three readings of the same article may seem excessive. However, keep in mind that this is only a suggestion. I typically assign brief articles so they allow for rereading. Good philosophical works can be immensely difficult. We are all in the “same boat” here. No one has an “easy” time reading good articles on difficult topics. Do not get discouraged!