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Expectations

What to expect from me (and the class)...

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  1. I extend complete freedom of speech to the students, as long as...

    1. Their contributions are on topic;

    2. They are not insulting or rude to other students;

    3. They do not "hog the mic" to an uncomfortable degree. (In the interest of giving everyone a voice, I will sometimes limit the time students have to make their points, especially when they are violating 1.1 above);

    4. They do not use excessive amounts of profane language.

  2. Extending freedom of speech to the students means they are free to disagree with one another. This is expected and, in fact, welcomed. Disagreements are part of the process of doing philosophy, as they provide opportunities to consider where one's reasoning may have gone astray, clarify one's reasoning, and respond to alternative viewpoints. Keep in mind that students are free to disagree with one another but not free to do so in rude or insulting ways (see 1.2 above). 

  3. I do not push my beliefs on students. I will, however, often play devil's advocate as a means of encouraging students to consider alternative viewpoints. 

  4. I anticipate some initial confusion with respect to what I am teaching the students. Suppose, for example, we learn about an argument with the conclusion that God exists. I can imagine an inexperienced student later reporting to her parents that "Gordon taught us that God exists today!" No, no no, no, no. When we examine an argument in class, it is not because I think the conclusion of the argument is true. Rather, my goal with any argument is to get the students to think about the reasoning that leads people to accept its conclusion. So, I certainly do not expect students to support (or reject) the conclusion of every argument we consider in class. What I do expect (and encourage) is that students think about why they should or should not accept a given conclusion. From there, I let the students decide for themselves.

 

What I expect from students...

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  1. No cellphones or electronics. They're distracting to the user and those around them. If anyone needs to call their parents or make an emergency call, they can use my phone. If there is a special reason why a student needs to use an electronic device in class, I am open to discussing it with the parent(s).

  2. No food. It is also distracting and potentially messy. Please eat before class. Of course students may bring something to drink. All the philosophizing they'll be doing will probably make them thirsty! If there is a special reason why a student needs to eat in class, I am open to discussing it with the parent(s).

  3. Students have to be mature enough to listen attentively to others and wait their turn to speak. This is the only prerequisite for the class. I want the students to engage with me and (especially) the other students, but not in a way that disrespects students who have waited their turn to speak.

  4. Students are expected to keep their hands to themselves at all times.

  5. Students must treat each other with respect. No insults, teasing, rudeness, or otherwise disrespectful behavior toward others is permitted.

  6. Come to class ready to tackle an intriguing philosophical puzzle!

 

What I expect from parents...

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  1. Make sure your child knows about the expectations mentioned above.

  2. For in-person classes, please pick up your child punctually when class ends. For morning classes, I may have another class starting right after the one your child is in, or someone else may have booked the room we are using for their own purposes right after our class. This does not leave time for me to wait with your child if you are late. Ideally, I would have left more time between classes, but my schedule only allows for two hour blocks for teaching philosophy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Next time, I will do my best to schedule more downtime between classes.

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