HNR 301-01/PHI 394-04

What's So Dangerious About Darwin's Idea?

We'll look at Meditations 2 and 3 on Wednesday.

Instructor: Rudy Garns

Office: LA 240

Phone: 572-5528

Email: garns@nku.edu

Course Homepage: http://access.nku.edu/garns/

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:00 - 10:50 (LA 240)

Course Description: Some of Darwin's ideas about evolution and natural selection have been deemed to be "dangerous." These ideas, along with the naturalistic methodology that endorses them, are alleged to challenge some very well established views philosophers and theologians (and others) have held about the status and origin of mankind, the meaning and purpose of life and the universe, the foundations of morality and value, the extent and uniqueness of human rationality, the nature of the mind, and the validity of theism. In this seminar we will examine Darwinian and neo-Darwinian views on evolution and natural selection. We will then consider carefully the extent to which these challenges are legitimate and dangerous. How have naturalistic philosophers attempted to meet these challenges, and to what degree are these responses promising or successful? Daniel Dennett's book Darwin's Dangerous Idea will serve as our starting point.

Outline:

Required Texts:

Course Objectives: Students who do well in the course can expect to become better acquainted with the central concepts of Darwinian evolution, gain a basic understanding of some of the important philosophical issues we discuss and the impact of Darwinian thought on these issues, and develop an appreciation for both the promise and the problems that accompany naturalistic responses to the philosophical issues we discuss.

Course Requirements: Your progress in the class will be evaluated largely on the basis of in class presentations, participation in class discussions, and a series of writing assignments. Anyone not meeting all the requirements will fail the course.

You are required to

• attend class, participate responsibly, and prepare adequately for class;
• present material periodically to the class to summarize reading assignments and to initiate discussion;
• write a mid-term review of a book selected from my list;
• write a final review of a book selected from the list and present your work to the class; and
• complete a series of short writing assignments (in class and homework).

While everyone is required to read each reading assignment, on many days I will ask an individual or group to be responsible for a short presentation on some part of the assignment. The presentation should include a brief overview of the many points of view, and raise questions or provide commentary that will initiate class discussion. Presenters should provide handouts for the class when appropriate.

I am providing a list of books that are relevant to the course material. Each student is expected to select two books from the list, one that will be reviewed as a mid-term project and the other that will be reviewed in a final presentation and paper, The mid-term review will consist of a 5-10 page paper that summarizes the work and critically discusses one or more issues of interest and relevance to the course. The final project is a 10-15 page paper that summarizes the main ideas of the work and critically discusses one or more issues of interest and relevance to the course using at least three additional (non-internet) sources (e.g., journal articles or book chapters). Students will make 10 minute presentations of their work to the class and lead a subsequent 10 minute question and discussion period.

All papers should be typed and double spaced, and include appropriate references.

Grading: The final grade for the course should be understood as my assessment of your overall level of achievement in the class based on all the evidence available to me. Your presentations, writing and class participation will constitute the bulk of that evidence. All assigned work is required work, unless I indicate otherwise. This is not to say that all assigned work is graded work or work that will contribute toward the final grade. My evidence for adequate participation in class is your behavior. Those who regularly ask questions and take part in class discussions are clearly actively involved in the class; and those who regularly attend class, listen attentively to lectures and discussions, and complete assignments on time are also involved in the class (though to a lesser degree). Failure to attend class or to complete assignments, sleeping in class, talking to neighbors and other disruptive behavior will count against you. I understand the particular letter grades in terms of the descriptions given in the recent university catalog. A grade of C "represents average achievement, the minimum expected of a college student." Better or worse work is possible and will be reflected in the grade.

Instructor's perogative: I reserve the right to alter the conditions stated in this syllabus at any time during the semester should such alterations better facilitate meeting the goals. I will, in such a case, provide notice in class. It is the student's responsibility to be in class and get this information.

Class Website: A class website is available at http://access.nku.edu/garns . Go the the Darwin and Philosophy page once you enter the site. You will first be asked to register for the site and you’ll receive a PIN, which along with your first name will allow you to enter the site on subsequent occasions. I’ll keep a list of assignments and recent class news there, in addition to a record of your grades. Also you will find a list of internet resources.

A few suggestions:

• Since much of what you can learn will come from discussions and lectures in class, attendance is crucial. Participate in classroom discussions. Think about the material before class and raise questions during class.
• Take advantage of my office hours if you are having the slightest bit of trouble or if you want to discuss some of the issues beyond what the class period allows. I am always willing to make appointments if my scheduled hours are inconvenient.
• Homework is due at class time. Assignments cannot be made up and I will not accept them late.
• In class work and homework missed because of absence cannot be made up.
• Cheating will not be tolerated. To be caught at cheating is to fail the course. When taking an in-class exam, close all books, put away all notes, and place all belongings under your desk; keep your eyes on your own work. Plagiarism is also intolerable. If you are unsure whether a certain act constitutes plagiarism, ask me before you commit the act.
• Common courtesy demands that you respect others in the classroom by not speaking unless you have the floor, by listening when others have the floor, and by arriving at class on time. Lack of common courtesy will be reflected in the final grade.