Fall 2026

PHIL 1301-2D

Introduction to Philosophy

Course Information

Department
GEDS
Instructor
Mires, Nicholas
Description
A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications.
Last Updated
Sunday, August 16, 2026 9:01 AM
Course Syllabus
Published Structured Syllabus

PHIL 1301-2D

Introduction to Philosophy
Term
Fall 2026
Instructor
Mires, Nicholas
Department
GEDS
Meeting Pattern
08:00 AM - 09:15 AM · MMED 207

Instructor Information

Instructor: Blake Mires


Email: miresnb@lamarpa.edu


Phone: none


Office Hours: none


Additional Contact Information: none

Course Description

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A study of major issues in philosophy and/or the work of major philosophical figures in philosophy. Topics in philosophy may include theories of reality, theories of knowledge, theories of value, and their practical applications.

Required Textbook & Materials

1.      An Introduction to Philosophy by Russ Payne

https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/an-introduction-to-philosophy

 

2.      Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics edited by George Matthews

https://press.rebus.community/intro-to-phil-ethics/

 

3.      Introduction to Philosophy: Philosophy of Religion edited by Beau Branson

https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/942

 

4.      Use of the library, Internet, and current information sources such as newspapers, TV and journals.

Textbook Purchasing Statement

Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

Additional Materials/Resources

none

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites

none

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.          Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts.

2.          Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy.

3.          Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing.

4.          Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life.

5.          Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

1.          Read, analyze, and critique philosophical texts.

2.          Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, major arguments, problems, and terminology in philosophy.

3.          Present logically persuasive arguments both orally and in writing.

4.          Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluation and application of philosophical concepts to various aspects of life.

5.          Evaluate the personal and social responsibilities of living in a diverse world.

Lecture Topics Outline

TOPIC

Course Introduction and Policies

Discussion of Syllabus

What is Philosophy

How to do Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy

Plato’s allegory of the cave

Rationalism

Empiricism

Philosophy of Science

Philosophy of Mind

Love and Happiness

Meta Ethics

Right Action

Social Justice

Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion?

Can We Have Ethics without Religion?

How Can I Be a Better Person?

What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory

Utilitarianism

Kantian Deontology

Feminism and Feminist Ethics

Evolutionary Ethics

Freedom of the Will

The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in the Western Tradition

Reasons to Believe – Theoretical Arguments

Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence

Reasons Not to Believe

Debunking Arguments against Theistic Belief

From Philosophy of (Mono)theism to Philosophy of Religions


Major Assignments Schedule

Module

TOPIC

ASSIGNMENTS

(Due on this Date)

1

Course Introduction and Policies

Discussion of Syllabus

What is Philosophy

Syllabus Quiz

Module 1 Discussion

08/30/2026, 11:59 PM

 

2

 

How to do Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy

Module 2 Essay

Quiz over “What is Philosophy” and “How Philosophy is Done”

09/06/2026 11:59 PM

3

Plato’s allegory of the cave

Rationalism

Module 3 Discussion Board

Quiz over “Ancient Philosophy” and “Rationalism”

09/13/2026, 11:59 PM

4

 

Empiricism

Philosophy of Science

AI conversation 1

Quiz over “Empiricism” and “Philosophy of Science”

09/20/2026, 11:59 PM

 

5

Philosophy of Mind

Love and Happiness

Logic Assignment

Quiz over “Philosophy of Mind” and “Love and Happiness”

09/27/2026, 11:59 PM

6

Meta Ethics

Right Action

AI conversation 2

Quiz over “Meta Ethics” and “Right Actions”

10/04/2026, 11:59 PM

 

7

 

Social Justice

Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion?

Module 7 Essay

Quiz over “Social Justice” and “Aren’t Right and Wrong Just Matters of Opinion”

10/11/2026, 11:59 PM

8

 

Can We Have Ethics without Religion?

How Can I Be a Better Person?

AI conversation 3

Quiz over “Can We Have Ethics Without Religion” and “How Can I Be a Better Person?”

10/18/2026, 11:59 PM

 

Common Assignment submitted during Module 13

11/15/2026

 

9

What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory

Utilitarianism

Quiz over “What’s in it for Me? On Egoism and Social Contract Theory” and “Utilitarianism”

10/25/2026, 11:59 PM

 

10

Kantian Deontology

Feminism and Feminist Ethics

AI conversation 4

Quiz over “Kantian Deontology” and “Feminist Ethics”

11/01/2026, 11:59 PM

 

11

Evolutionary Ethics

Freedom of the Will

Quiz over “Evolutionary Ethics” and “Freedom of the Will”

11/08/2026, 11:59 PM

 

12

The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion in the Western Tradition

Reasons to Believe – Theoretical Arguments

AI conversation 5

Quiz over “The Intertwining of Philosophy and Religion” and “Reasons to Believe”

11/15/2026, 11:59 PM

13

Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence

Reasons Not to Believe

Quiz over “Non-Standard Arguments for God’s Existence” and “Reasons not to Believe”

11/15/2026, 11:59 PM

 

14

 

 

 

Debunking Arguments against Theistic Belief

From Philosophy of (Mono)theism to Philosophy of Religions

Module 14 Essay

 

11/22/2026, 11:59 PM

15

Review

Final Exam

Final Exam Extra credit quiz over "Debunking Arguments Against Theistic Belief" 12/09/2026, 11:59 PM


Final Exam Date

Week 15

Final Exam

12/09/2026


Grading Scale

GRADE SCALE

·      90-100    A

·      80-89      B

·      70-79      C

·      60-69      D

·      0-59        F

Determination of Final Grade

Final grades will be calculated according to the following criteria:

1.          Quizzes                                                                   25%

2.          Logic Assignment                                                5 %

3.          Discussions and Essays                                         20%

4.          AI Conversations                                                    10%

5.          Common Assignment                                        20%

6.          Final Exam                                                           20 %

Instructor Policies

1.      All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard.

2.      Type Discussion and Essay answers directly into Blackboard. Do not attach a file for your answer. If, for some reason, you do need to submit a text file, you must use Microsoft Word.

3.      All homework must be typed and use MLA format for citations:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_general_format.html

Use MLA formatting for the Common Assignment. You must include your sources for the Common Assignment.

4.      All homework, papers, and tests must be completed solely by the student. A first instance of plagiarism will result, at minimum, in a zero on the assignment. A second offense will result in dismissal from the course. (Student not dropped from the course.)

5.      All assignments must be submitted with an English version of the assignment.

6.      Pen/pencil and paper are required for face-to-face classes

7.      Mature behavior is expected at all times.

8.      Access to Blackboard and your LIT email is required. Frequently check for any new announcements.

9.      Late work will not be accepted except in the case of a documentable emergency beyond the student’s control. Complete assignments and submit them by the due date. You may turn them in early, but not after the due date. Technical difficulties and any other issues must be resolved before the due date, and they will not result in a time extension. If you have issues with Blackboard, use the Technical Support link. Any emails requesting help with an assignment must be sent on a weekday at least 48 hours before the due date. For assignments due over the weekend, emails must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday. Emails sent during the weekend will be answered the following work week. Each message must include your name, course, and class section (e.g., PHIL 1301 3A1).

10.   The lowest discussion/essay grade and the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. You may turn assignments in early, but not after the due date.

11.   Due dates may need to be altered. I will update the Blackboard calendar if a due date is changed.

 

Attendance Policy

You are required to log on weekly to Blackboard and review the week's course material. Additionally, you are required to check your LIT emails weekly. Assignments are typically due each week.

Additional Information


MyLSCPA

Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.

ADA Considerations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Accessibility Services Coordinator, Room 119, in the Ruby Fuller Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.

Facility Policies

No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.

HB 2504

This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect

As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.

Title IX and Sexual Misconduct

LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.

Grievance / Complaint / Concern

If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.