INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Course Description

Philosophy is the attempt to answer the deepest and most fundamental questions about the universe, mind, society, art, etc., in brief, all aspects of the human life. The aim of this course is not only learn the ideas of the great philosophers of the history, but also explore how to improve critical and philosophical thinking skills. The course is designed to acquaint students with the concepts, methods, problems, and theories of different areas within philosophy. İn addition to these, the one of the main objective of the course is to provide an perspective of the philosophy's relation to other disciplines such as sociology, psychology, education, law, etc.

INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

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Course outcomes

1. 01 Describe major ethical theories
2. 02 Classify major ontological positions
3. 03 Summarize the thoughts of major political philosophers
4. 04 Describe the ideas of major philosophers of science
5. 05 Classify ethical theories

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Manuel Velasquez, Philosophy: A Text with Readings, Wadsworth Cengage, 2011
2. 02 William F. Lawhead, The Philosophical Journey, Mc Graw Hill, 2011

Learning Outcomes

No learning outcomes have been defined.

Program Outcomes

1. P01 Demonstrate an understanding of the core subfields of psychology — including but not limited to clinical, developmental, cognitive, social, and biological/neuroscientific psychology — and their interconnections with other scientific disciplines, critically evaluating the value of a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry in psychology.
2. P02 Apply scientific methods, research techniques, measurement and psychometric principles (e.g., reliability, validity, scale development/adaptation), and quantitative/statistical reasoning to investigate psychological phenomena, recognizing methodological strengths, limitations, common reasoning fallacies, and the flaws of pseudoscience.
3. P03 Employ logical, intuitive, and creative thinking to analyze psychological concepts, evaluate theories (including their historical and philosophical development), synthesize information, and solve complex problems related to cognition and behavior.
4. P04 Integrate psychological theories and findings into practical settings (e.g., business, policy, clinical/counseling contexts, and daily life), applying foundational applied skills such as interviewing, observation, and case formulation, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform individual, organizational, and societal practices.
5. P05 Describe key ethical principles in psychological research and practice, critically applying these principles to dilemmas across academic, professional, and everyday contexts.
6. P06 Recognize how individual differences (e.g., beliefs, values, backgrounds) impact behavior and relationships; use psychological knowledge to prevent or resolve intercultural and interpersonal conflicts and promote inclusive, respectful interactions.
7. P07 Exhibit self-regulation and self-awareness, demonstrating a commitment to psychological well-being, effective time management, constructive incorporation of feedback, and ongoing personal and professional development.
8. P08 Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, demonstrating responsibility, bias awareness, conflict resolution skills, and leadership in achieving collective goals.
9. P09 Communicate psychological knowledge clearly and appropriately for academic, professional, and public audiences using inclusive language, both in written and oral formats, and by accurately summarizing and presenting research findings.
10. P10 Use information and communication technologies (including AI and digital media) responsibly and effectively for research, collaboration, and the dissemination of psychological knowledge.
11. P11 Embrace lifelong learning and adaptability in response to evolving psychological knowledge and societal needs, engaging with global perspectives and demonstrating intercultural awareness.

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